Dr. Olaye Messiah Doupade has stepped aside for Mr. Mieyefa Monday as the Board Trustee chairman of the OKOEA Host Communities Development Trust, HCDT, established in compliance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 for host communities of Okerenkoko, Kokodiagbene, Ekpemu-Akpata, Akpata-Gbegbe, and Omadino in the JPMT OML 42 Jones Creek Field in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

PENGlobal gathered that the decision of Dr. Olaye (a native of Okerenkoko) stepping aside having emerged as chairman of the OKOEA HCDT is informed by intervention from prominent leaders in Gbaramatu Kingdom such as High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), High Chief P. T. Heavens, High Chief Michael Johnny and other principal stakeholders, who prevailed on him to allow Mr. Mieyefa to carry on as Chairman of OKOEA HCDT.

Recall that Dr. Olaye's earlier emergence as chairman of the OKOEA HCDT Board Trustees was said to be enmeshed in controversy with two of the Board members, but later one, were opposed to his ascendance to lead the HCDT.

Dr. Olaye, in his withdrawal statement, said he believes that peace is sacrosanct and that obedience to constituted leadership authority is not optional but obligatory, hence his decision to heed the advice of the kingdom's leadership which underscores his commitment to maintaining peace, unity, and harmony within Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Explaining further on his actions, he said that his basic motivation for the chairmanship in the OKOEA HCDT was borne out of his interest for the welfare of the people which he believes Mr. Mieyefa, who is being endorsed by the kingdom, can also effectively represent.

According to him, "It will be necessary to put it on record that even though l emerged as the Board chairman, with same published in the Leadership newspaper of 12th February 2024, l allowed things to go the way the kingdom's leadership decided in order to assure my people that l am not over-ambitious. The intervention and subsequent resolution reflect the collective efforts of stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation and effective management of the Host Community Development Trust."

Dr. Olaye appreciated the unalloyed support given him by the communities and the Board members, and advised all his supporters to remain calm and work in harmony with Mr. Mieyefa, stressing further that he is committed to the leadership of Gbaramatu Kingdom hence he would not do anything to jeopardize or subvert the decision of the kingdom.

Dr. Olaye also seized the ample opportunity to congratulate High Chief Dr. Government Ekpomupolo (Tompolo) who was recently honored as a Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ, Delta State Chapter.

With his affirmation, stakeholders remain optimistic about the continued progress and development initiatives within the kingdom under the leadership of Mr. Mieyefa. Moreover, the peaceful resolution of the leadership transition underscores the resilience and commitment of the Gbaramatu Kingdom to fostering dialogue, cooperation, and inclusivity in matters affecting the welfare and development of its members.

While Dr Olaye's endorsement as Chairman may have been short-lived, his willingness to prioritize the interests of the community above personal ambitions sets a commendable example for others in positions of leadership to follow.

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