INYC stands dissolved by Ogiame Atuwatse’s order, as stated by Comr Godwin Utienyin, the former acting president of INYC.
The Itsekiri National Youth Council, an umbrella body for Itsekiri youth, was initially registered as the Itsekiri Native Youth Council by Hon Daniel Reyeniju, the pioneering leader. As the council progressed, it was passed on to Hon David Tonwe, whose tenure saw the emergence of a faction led by Bar Esimaje Awani, who registered the Itsekiri National Youth Congress, creating a divide among the youth.
At the end of Hon David Tonwe’s term, Hon Weyinmi Isaac took over. During this process, some individuals took legal action, with Comr. Tuoyo Ofoyekpone being one of those challenging Hon Weyinmi’s leadership, attempting to create another faction of the Itsekiri National Youth Council. After a court battle, the lawyer to the council clarified that the Itsekiri National Youth Council was an entity in formation, distinct from the other two bodies.
The court ruled that the Itsekiri National Youth Council was indeed an entity in formation and not under the control of either the Itsekiri Native Youth Council or the Itsekiri National Youth Congress, thus stripping them of the power to dissolve the Itsekiri National Youth Council executive.
Under the leadership of Hon Isaac Weyinmi Agbateniro, the council continued its registration process, writing its constitution to formalize its existence. His tenure came to a close, and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, reappointed Hon Weyinmi Isaac and his executive for a second term, showcasing the king’s authority to not only appoint but also dissolve the council’s executive.
Comr Godwin Utienyin, the acting president during this period, continued the constitutional adoption process, which ultimately led to a division between him and the former president, now the chairman of Warri South LGA. To prevent further conflict, Ogiame called a meeting and dissolved the current executive led by Comr Godwin Utienyin, a decision unanimously accepted by the acting president and his team, given the constitution’s non-adoption.
Ogiame then established a committee to draft a new constitution for the Itsekiri National Youth Council. This move prompted some advisors, who were personal advisors to the former president during his tenure, to publish claims of being advisors to the council. The official advisors in Warri South who were sworn in with the executives at the same time are Comr Oda Ajiyn, Comr Ofori Adolo, and Comr Lucky Esu, and it is not their role to advocate for the executive.
Comr Godwin Utienyin, the former acting president, is satisfied with Ogiame’s decision and supports the dissolution of the council, as ordered by the king.