The Okuokpellaogbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area, Michael Sado, has denied allegations of financial misconduct and misuse of community resources.
Sado made the clarification while speaking with journalists following his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The Ukhomuyo Council of Village Heads, through its counsel, A.O. Osagie and Associates, had petitioned the EFCC, accusing the monarch of diverting community funds and converting communal assets for personal use. The petition also alleged a breach of the Community Development Agreement between Okpella Cement Plc and the host community.
Responding, Sado described the claims as being driven by individuals who were dissatisfied with reforms introduced under his leadership, particularly measures that blocked previous access to community funds.
He explained that prior to his emergence seven months ago, Okpella—despite hosting major industrial operations—lacked basic infrastructure, with revenues reportedly shared among stakeholders without visible development.
According to him, his administration scrapped the former revenue-sharing structure and redirected funds toward development projects within the community. “Okpella now generates about N8 million monthly. I do not take from it; the funds are used for security and community projects,” he said.
Sado clarified that he was not arrested but only invited by the EFCC in connection with a petition he claimed had already been disowned by members of the community.
He added that he had provided evidence of projects executed with community funds, including a police area command, court buildings, borehole rehabilitation, a market, and a modern palace.
Other initiatives, he said, include the establishment of a microfinance bank and an ICT centre aimed at supporting local economic growth.
The monarch further noted that he introduced a centralised community account system and maintains detailed financial records to ensure transparency.
He maintained that his priority remains improving infrastructure and living standards for residents of Okpella.
