The leadership of Otughievwen Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has rejected reports alleging that the Delta State Government recognised Jacob Ogedegbe, popularly known as Aziza, as chairman of the community, describing the claim as false and a calculated attempt to blackmail Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

In a statement jointly endorsed by the Executive Chairman of the community, Augustine Garri, and the eldest man, Tamukara Mukoro, for the Edion-In-Council, the community accused a media outfit and one of its reporters, of publishing misleading information by suggesting that the state government had recognised Ogedegbe as chairman.

The community maintained that Garri was duly elected chairman during the June 3, 2026 community election after polling 10 of the 18 delegate votes, defeating Ogedegbe, who secured seven votes, while another contestant, Sunday Durume, polled one vote.

The statement noted that following the election, Garri was inaugurated by the Edion-In-Council and had since assumed office, carrying out projects including the repair of faulty transformers and the introduction of annual scholarships for 12 science students in the community.

“Our first impression is that the said publication is a deliberate attempt to blackmail Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, just as it represents a descent into irresponsible and libellous journalism by Daily Independent,” the statement said.

The community also faulted the reported role of the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Princess Pat Ajudua, insisting that her recognition of Ogedegbe was contrary to the community’s constitution and electoral process.

“According to results announced and attested to by key observers and the larger community, Augustine Garri emerged chairman after securing 10 out of 18 delegate votes, while Jacob Ogedegbe (Aziza) polled seven votes. The mandate of the Electoral Committee ended with the declaration of the results,” the statement added.

It further disclosed that a petition had been submitted to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, seeking an investigation into the commissioner’s alleged role in recognising Ogedegbe, which it claimed could trigger unrest in the community.

While demanding that the media platform and its reporter retract the publication and desist from using the Governor’s name to perpetrate blackmail, they urged the public to discountenance the said report, stressing that “Augustine Garri remains the serving Chairman of Otughievwen Community“.