Mr Emmanuel Afortan has been elected Chairman of the OML 150 Communities Consultative Forum for a four-year tenure, following a keenly contested election held at Efie Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
At the end of the transparent voting process, Mr Afortan polled 14 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Olawola Olufemi, who garnered five votes.
The OML 150 Communities Consultative Forum comprises nine oil-producing communities—Uwakeno, Ewekwara, Ajaosolo, Omadino, Ifiekporo, Obodo, Jaluwa, Efueye and Okegho—each represented by a nominee endorsed by their respective community heads, in line with the forum’s constitution.
The election followed the expiration of the tenure of the executive led by the immediate past chairman, Mr Monday Agbeyi. After the presentation and confirmation of nominees from the nine communities, Mr Afortan, who hails from Uwakeno community, emerged as chairman with a decisive majority.
Other members of the newly elected executive include Mr Monday Omagbemi, who won the Vice Chairman position with 15 votes against Mr Jolomi Saniyo’s four votes, and Mr Emmanuel Sillo, who emerged Financial Secretary after defeating Mr Etsemi Moses by 14 votes to five.
Also elected were Special Agbeyi as Treasurer, Myke Ogi as Auditor, Christopher Efueye as Assistant Secretary, and Mr Francis Agbatiyeniro from Omadino community as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking after the announcement of results, the immediate past chairman, Mr Monday Agbeyi, congratulated the new executives and urged them to prioritise unity and development across the host communities.
“Leadership is service. I charge this new executive to put the interest of the people first, respect the constitution of the forum, and ensure that development touches every community under OML 150,” Agbeyi said.
In a similar vein, elder statesman Pa Olumami Akiuyatsemi admonished the executives to uphold transparency and strictly adhere to their four-year tenure as stipulated in the forum’s constitution.
“The strength of this forum lies in discipline and respect for our guiding principles. Do not overstay your mandate, and always act in the collective interest of our people,” he advised.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Mr Emmanuel Afortan, expressed gratitude to God and members of the forum for the confidence reposed in him, pledging inclusive leadership and people-oriented governance.
“I thank God for the peaceful and successful conduct of this election. I assure you that the development, welfare and wellbeing of all the communities that make up OML 150 will remain my top priority,” Afortan said.
He also paid tribute to the immediate past chairman for his leadership and promised continuity in good governance.
“I appreciate the quality leadership of Mr Monday Agbeyi. I will build on the foundations he has laid and ensure that no community is left behind. This administration will carry everyone along,” he added.
The high point of the event was the administration of the oath of office on the newly elected executives, led by the chairman, Mr Emmanuel Afortan. The ceremony concluded with prayers offered by elders from the various communities, seeking divine guidance and a successful tenure for the new leadership.
The peaceful conduct of the election and the wide representation of communities underscored the forum’s commitment to unity, dialogue and sustainable development within the OML 150 host communities.
