The people of Kokodiagbene community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has finally signed into law the community's Constitution which has been under a fierce debate for close to a decade.

The legal document which will dictate the executive affairs of the community was adopted at an annual general meeting that held in Kokodiagbene town hall on Thursday, September 28, 2023, with elders, women and youths in attendance.

Those that signed the Constitution include Comr. Pedro Bekenawei (executive chairman of Kokodiagbene), Elder Francis Ayeku (General Secretary), Chief George Timiyan JP (the Miyenkeremowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom), Chief Emmanuel Ekpetipu (the Amadiwei of Kokodiagbene), Pa. Thompson Seiwei (the Amaokusuwei) and Elder Abraham Uttoh. Others are Capt. Dickson Timiyan (chairman, Constitution Review Committee), Comr. Godspower Ipopo (member and youth president), Madam Akasa-ere Miller (woman leader, Kokodiagbene), Elder Matthew Olokpa (chairman, Elders' Council).

The signing of the Constitution has also put to rest the debated issue of the tenure of serving exco members among others, as the Comr. Pedro Bekenawei-led executive council, currently serving its third year, is now to remain in office till January 13, 2025.

Speaking on the development, a clan chief who made the announcement of the tenure elongation on behalf of the elders and leaders, Chief George Timiyan (JP) said, "The signing of the Constitution into law is a welcomed development. In these days it is good to have a binding document to help guide the people so that every one knows what they should do and not do. 

“Without a Constitution, orderliness may not be maintained. It has been long we have debated this Constitution but thank God today it has been signed into law. With that everybody knows how to elect executive council and how to run this community,” he added.

Chief Timiyan, the Miyenkeremowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, also said that the elders, having looked at the overall decision as regards tenure of four years, thought it befitting that the current exco continue in office in line with the Constitution which now stipulates a four-year-tenure as against a three-year-tenure.

Comr. Bekenawei, who dissolved the Constitution Review Committee after the signing of the Constitution, thanked all those that painstakingly contributed to the emergence of the legal document while he called on those who are still in contention to accept the decision of the majority.

Also speaking on behalf of the youths, Mr. David Fellow, a disciplinary committee chairman in Kokodiagbene, while lauding the decision reached at the meeting, however charged the executive leadership of the community to give priority to the welfare of the youths who he claims are passing through hardship in the community.  

Other highlights of the annual general meeting include a one minute silence observed for the departed souls of late High Chief J.G.B. Ari (JP), Elder Abel Uttoh, and Barr. Donatus Ukuli; the setting up of the committee on the annual Kokodiagbene end of year festival, the Amasuo-Ugeh, headed by Chief Timiyan; and announcement of Comr. Emmanuel Isede's ambition to run for councilorship in Kokodiagbene ward among others.

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