In a move to avert looming violence and chaos, the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Hon. Ogorugba Godwin and his Isoko South Local Government Area counterpart, Hon. Warri Friday Ovoke, have announced the immediate suspension of all activities of the Isoko Development Union (IDU) Youth Wing.
The decision follows the emergence of two conflicting factions laying claim to the leadership of the IDU Youth Wing, creating tension across the Isoko nation.
The suspension was jointly announced on June 12, 2025, by Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ogorugba of Isoko North and Hon. (Comrade) Warri Ovoke Friday of Isoko South. Both council bosses, who double as the chief security officers of their respective LGAs, said the escalating factionalism within the youth body poses a significant threat to public peace and the safety of lives and property.
The crisis began after two separate lists surfaced, each declaring itself the interim executive of the IDU Youth Wing. The development has sparked widespread confusion, raising fears of potential clashes among rival groups. In a statement jointly signed by the Chief Press Secretaries of both LGAs, Akpodhoma Michael and Lawson Ajakpovi, the chairmen declared that all youth activities linked to the IDU Youth Wing are now banned until further notice.
The statement emphasized that both youth presidents and their executive members, as listed in the conflicting factions, are suspended from acting or representing the IDU Youth Wing in any official capacity. It also warned all government agencies, especially the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), against engaging with any of the suspended individuals or groups.
Furthermore, multinational companies operating within Isoko land were advised to steer clear of any dealings with either faction of the IDU Youth Wing to avoid inadvertently escalating the situation. According to the statement, these proactive steps are necessary to maintain law and order and prevent a descent into violence.
This decisive action signals a firm stance by local authorities to protect the integrity and peace of the Isoko nation amidst growing internal political strife. The council chairmen called on all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and the general public, to support the ban and cooperate in the interest of regional stability and security.
As the situation develops, all eyes are now on the leadership of the IDU and concerned stakeholders to initiate lasting reconciliation efforts that will restore unity within the youth ranks and safeguard the future of the Isoko people.
