Ogale Youth Leadership: Comr. Noble Nwolu Bows Out Amid Controversy

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Comr. Noble Obari Nwolu 


By Nwafor Oji Awala.

Ogale community witnessed a dramatic turn in its youth leadership transition as Comr. Noble Obari Nwolu, outgoing Youth President, reflected on his tenure and the peaceful emergence of his successor, only for the process to be nullified hours later by the Eleme Local Government Chairman.

The selection of Comr. Appolus Oyor Jnr. as the new Ogale Youth President took place on Sunday, September 7, at Obarijima Palace, the royal court of HRH King Godwin Bebe Okpabi, Paramount Ruler of Ogale. The process, coordinated by the Ogale Council of Chiefs alongside political stakeholders and youth representatives, was hailed by Comr. Nwolu as “the first peaceful youth leadership transition in Ogale.”


Speaking with Eleme Today in the morning hours of September 8, Nwolu explained that the youth presidency rotates among Ogale’s three founding communities—Alueken, Ekpangbala, and Aluebo. This year, Ekpangbala produced four aspirants, but after a screening process led by the Chiefs and political leaders, Oyor emerged as consensus candidate.

“Ogale follows unwritten rules. Just as with our Community Development Committee, the Council of Chiefs and stakeholders guide the selection. Comr. Oyor emerged through that process, and even the other aspirants supported him,” Nwolu said.

He listed the criteria as including at least an OND qualification, knowledge of community affairs, and integrity.

According to Nwolu, the selection meeting drew wide representation. HRH King Bebe Okpabi chaired the session, supported by political leaders led by Hon. Phylle Ten-waji, APC Chairman of Eleme LGA. Youth leaders of Ogale sub-communities and executives were also present.

He stressed that the Ogale Graduates and Undergraduates Forums were indirectly represented, as their leaders hold roles within the Youth Council. “In fact, Comr. Olai Gomba Nwolu, a Graduate Association leader, publicly congratulated Appolus Oyor,” he added.

Reflecting on his stewardship, Comr. Nwolu said he inherited a divided and insecure youth community in 2018. His administration, he noted, restored unity through joint activities such as aerobics, roadwork, and the creation of the Ogale Security Network in 2019.

He highlighted key achievements including:

  • Launch of the Ogale Youth Carnival, sustained for four years with cultural and sporting events, even attracting partnerships from Calabar Carnival organizers.
  • Distribution of 62 free JAMB forms and sponsorship of Ogale students into leadership roles in the National Association of Eleme Students.
  • Support for graduate and postgraduate studies at NOUN, Uniport, and IAUE.
  • Vocational training for young women, ₦100,000 marriage grants, installation of streetlights, street naming projects, and donation of sports equipment.

“Our programs attracted support from Ogale sons and daughters across Nigeria and in the diaspora. We built trust, and that trust delivered results,” he said.


Nwolu expressed confidence that Oyor would continue his legacy, describing him as a trusted ally who chaired many of the administration’s committees. He also urged ambitious youths to avoid disruptive rivalries:

“There can only be one Youth President at a time. For the first time, Ogale achieved a peaceful transition. The era of indiscriminate removals and endless fights must end. Ogale has shown the way; Eleme must follow.”

However, the seeming triumph was short-lived. By the evening of September 8, the Executive Chairman of Eleme LGA, Chief Hon. Obarilomate Ollor, issued a press release nullifying Oyor’s emergence.

According to the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ate Chinwi, the decision was based on security reports linking the selection to potential unrest in the community.

Chief Ollor warned against acts that could disrupt peace in Eleme, stressing his administration’s zero-tolerance for threats to stability. He urged youths to remain calm and not allow themselves to be used in traditional disputes, assuring that the Council would resolve the matter amicably.

With this development, uncertainty hangs over Ogale’s youth leadership, leaving the community at a crossroads between tradition, political authority, and the aspirations of its young people.


Nwafor Oji Awala 

(c) Prime Heritage Magazine 

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