A recent move by the Ughelli North Local Government in Delta State has sparked controversy, as the council sealed the business premises of Alex Agba, a supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). According to Dr. Christopher Ominimini Obiuwevbi, an NDC House of Representatives candidate, the council took action against Agba following a 10,000-man march he organised in support of the Peter Obi–Rabiu Kwankwaso political alliance and the NDC. The march, which aimed to protest hunger, insecurity, bad roads, and infrastructural deficits, drew thousands of participants in Ughelli.
Ominimini alleged that the local government council sealed Agba's business premises as a form of punishment for his political activities and affiliation with the opposition party. He described the action as an attempt to intimidate opposition supporters and urged the council chairman, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, to reconsider the decision. Agba's business, which provides employment opportunities for residents, was reportedly sealed shortly after the march. Ominimini called on the council to focus on providing basic amenities and infrastructure rather than targeting businesses linked to opposition politicians.
The NDC candidate criticised the state of infrastructure in Ughelli North, highlighting issues such as hunger, deteriorating roads, poor educational facilities, unemployment, and inadequate markets. He claimed that several roads in the area had become difficult to navigate, while pupils and students in some schools were forced to sit on the floor due to inadequate facilities. Ominimini also alleged that market women were experiencing difficult trading conditions. He challenged the council chairman to address these pressing issues rather than taking actions against businesses.
In response to the allegations, Olorogun Jaro Egbo denied that the sealing of the premises was politically motivated. He insisted that the building was an illegal structure erected beneath high-tension electricity wires and that the action was part of the council's enforcement of environmental and safety regulations. Egbo claimed that the council had repeatedly written to Agba over the alleged violations, but he had failed to comply with the directives.
Egbo explained that the council had carried out more than 30 demolitions since he assumed office, targeting structures allegedly obstructing waterways and buildings erected beneath high-tension electricity lines. He maintained that the enforcement action was not directed at members of any particular political party, stressing that political affiliation did not exempt residents from complying with applicable regulations. Egbo also accused Agba of branding a vehicle for mobile advertising without paying the required fees to the Delta State Signage and Advertising Agency (DESSAA).
The chairman of the Ughelli North Local Government further accused Agba of failing to obtain the necessary building approval for the structure. He warned that if Agba failed to provide the required approval and pay the prescribed fees, the law would take its course. Egbo's response comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political movements increasing their efforts to mobilise support.
The dispute has sparked concerns about the use of regulatory powers to intimidate opposition supporters. Ominimini urged Egbo to reverse the action, warning that the alleged sealing of the premises could further aggravate public dissatisfaction with the local government. The incident has raised questions about the role of local government councils in enforcing regulations and promoting economic development, particularly in the context of Nigeria's democratic process.
Key points
- The Ughelli North Local Government council sealed the business premises of Alex Agba, a supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), citing an illegal structure.
- The action was taken after Agba organised a 10,000-man march against hunger, insecurity, and poor infrastructure in Ughelli.
- The council chairman, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, denied that the sealing of the premises was politically motivated, insisting that it was part of the council's enforcement of environmental and safety regulations.
