The event was held on Sunday at the Okpe Union headquarters in Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital.
Top Okpe leaders, including the President General of Okpe Union, Prof Igho Natufe, attended the inauguration.
“We are gathered here today, at the National Headquarters and Registered Office of the Okpe Union, No. 65, Moshalashi Street, Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos State, to appoint new Trustees for the Incorporated Trustees of Okpe Union, as ordered by the Federal High Court, Lagos. On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, it is my profound pleasure to welcome you all to this historic event, which opens a new page in the glorious History of the Okpe Union; the oldest registered Ethnic Union in Nigeria. The Trustees we are appointing today will fill the missing page in the governance structure of the Okpe Union” President General of Okpe Union, Prof Igho Natufe said during the inauguration.
Those inaugurated include Dr. (Mrs.) Rose Atarhe-Abuh as Chairperson and Barrister Felix Orere as secretary.
Mr. Bernard Adibor, Ms. Dora Omuvwie, Mr. Patrick Akpotor, Mrs. Florence Oseragbaje, Mrs. Mary Johnson, Hon. Patrick Ovwile, Chief Remi Rita Onomakpome, Rev. Frank Ojogwa Ekejija and Dr. Evans Igho Akpo were also inaugurated as members of the Okpe Union Board of Trustees.
Natufe commended Okpe nationals, including those not formally members of the Okpe Union, in Nigeria and the Diaspora, for their strategic advice and selfless financial contributions which have sustained the union in its advocacy for good governance and the rule of law in Okpe Nation.
“Together, we are a united force for the growth and development of the Okpe Nation. And together with other indigenous ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, we will define the restructuring of Nigeria’s federalism where each ethnic nationality exercises its sovereignty in a truly Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He said ‘’On April 30, 2024, the Federal High of Nigeria sitting in Abuja (Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/395) vacated its earlier order which was surreptitiously obtained by the illegal group of the Okpe Union and ordered the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to expunge their names from the CAC’s records.
“The order granted us, the legitimate Okpe Union, the authority to appoint new Trustees for the Okpe Union. The ruling of the Federal High Court Abuja is consistent with the earlier judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/603/2022), which had declared the leadership appointed by HRM, Orhue l, Orodje of Kingdom, on October 3, 2020, as illegal on January 19, 2023.”
While the judgement of the Federal High Court Lagos had already nullified and voided the illegal group’s Board of Trustees, the ruling of the Federal High Court Abuja pointedly paved the path for the legitimate leadership of the Okpe Union to appoint new Trustees for Okpe Union.
On October 27, 2025, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union filed a motion before the Honourable Justice Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Lagos, praying the Honourable Court to grant Okpe Union leave to appoint new Trustees for the Incorporated Trustees of the Okpe Union.
At the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Lagos Judicial Division on Wednesday, the 14th day of January, 2026 before his lordship Hon. Justice Y. Bogoro, via Suit No. FHC/L/MISC/1153/2025, leave was granted to the Okpe Union “to convene a meeting and appoint new Trustees for the Incorporated Trustees of Okpe Union in line with the Provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020” and for “the Corporate Affairs Commission to register the Trustees to be appointed by the Applicant upon satisfaction with the Provision of the Companies and Allied Matters Act”.
In her acceptance speech, Dr Atarhe-Abuh described the inauguration of the Board of Trustees as a defining chapter in the continued growth and strengthening of the Okpe Union.
“I stand before you today with a deep sense of honour, humility, and responsibility, following the successful inauguration of our Board of Trustees at this meeting today Sunday, the 22nd of March, 2026, held here at Okpe House, 65 Moshalashi Street, Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos. This moment is not merely ceremonial; it is a defining chapter in the continued growth and strengthening of the Okpe Union. I am profoundly grateful for the confidence reposed in me and my fellow members of the Board of Trustees. Your trust is both inspiring and humbling, and we do not take it for granted.”
She expressed her appreciation to all members of the Okpe Union worldwide.
“Your unwavering support, encouragement, and commitment to the ideals of our Union have made this day possible. Your dedication to preserving our heritage, fostering unity and advancing the welfare of the Okpe people remains the bedrock of our collective success.”
The BOT Chairperson promised to discharge her duties with integrity, diligence, and fairness
“On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Trustees, I hereby formally accept this appointment. We do so with a full understanding of the responsibilities entrusted to us and with a firm resolve to discharge our duties with integrity, diligence, and fairness. We are committed to upholding the constitution of the Okpe Union and safeguarding its values for present and future generations.”
She also pledged to work harmoniously with the National Executive Council and all Stakeholders.
“We recognize that the progress of our Union depends on collaboration and mutual respect among all its organs. In this regard, we pledge to work harmoniously with the National Executive Council and all Stakeholders. Together, we shall strive to strengthen the structures of our Union, promote transparency and accountability, and ensure that our programmes and initiatives truly reflect the aspirations of the Okpe people.”
Her words: ‘’At a time when unity and purposeful leadership are most needed, we must rise above individual differences and focus on our shared vision. The Okpe Union must continue to serve as a beacon of hope, cultural pride, and socio-economic advancement for our people. We are determined to contribute meaningfully towards this noble cause. Let me also acknowledge the efforts of those who have served before us. Their dedication and sacrifices have laid a solid foundation upon which we now build. We are inspired by their legacy and committed to sustaining and surpassing the standards they have set’’.
She called upon every member of the Okpe Union to remain actively engaged and supportive.
“The strength of our Union lies in our unity, and together, there is no limit to what we can achieve. I assure you that we shall serve with utmost sincerity and in the best interest of the Okpe people at all times” she added.
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