National Embarrassment: How Prof. Benjamin Okaba Handed Over INC Leadership in a “Beer Parlour”

By Passman Akpos

The recent validation session, award presentation, and official handover ceremony of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has triggered widespread controversy, public outrage, and heated debate among stakeholders across the Ijaw Nation, with many describing the event as a national embarrassment.

The ceremony, which saw the outgoing INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, officially hand over leadership to the newly elected President, High Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei, was originally expected to symbolize unity, continuity, and renewed commitment to the collective progress of the Ijaw people.

According to organizers, the event featured the official validation session, recognition of outgoing executive members, presentation of awards, and the formal transfer of leadership responsibilities. Supporters described the gathering as a moment of honour, solidarity, and renewed determination to strengthen the congress and protect the shared interests of the Ijaw Nation.

However, shortly after photographs and reports from the ceremony surfaced online, fierce criticism erupted from several Ijaw stakeholders who questioned the venue, legitimacy, and dignity of the entire handover process.

Many critics openly mocked the setting of the inauguration, alleging that the event resembled a “beer parlour gathering” or “private sitting room ceremony” rather than the formal transfer of power expected from the apex socio-cultural body of the Ijaw people.

One angry stakeholder wrote, “Whose house parlour did Prof. Benjamin Okaba-led leadership hand over power in? Is INC inauguration now done in beer parlour or people’s kitchen because of greed?”

Another critic blasted what was described as a “22-person inauguration,” saying it was a direct insult to the prestige of the institution.“This is an insult to the Ijaw Nation. Even community youth president inauguration receives more honour than this,” the critic stated.

Several voices accused the outgoing leadership of diminishing the image and historic prestige of the congress, arguing that the revered institution founded by respected Ijaw leaders should never have been reduced to what many now call an embarrassing spectacle.

The controversy further deepened existing political divisions within the INC leadership struggle, especially following reports that the formal inauguration earlier planned in Yenagoa was halted amid disagreements surrounding the April 13, 2026 election.

Some stakeholders alleged that Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, attempted to influence the leadership process in favour of a preferred candidate from Kolokuma/Opokuma, while others defended the governor’s intervention as necessary to preserve peace and order within the congress

Supporters of the new leadership insisted that no election is entirely free from disputes and argued that the newly inaugurated executives should be allowed to serve rather than being condemned by regional loyalties and political sentiment.

One supporter responded, “Which election in Nigeria is free of fault? You condemn one of the best elections in Nigeria because of nepotism? We all claim to love Ijaw, but our actions often show otherwise.”

The handover controversy comes amid an already explosive legal battle between the Bayelsa and Delta State High Courts over the legitimacy of the INC presidency.

Earlier, Tarakirivoice reported that the High Court in Yenagoa ordered parties in the INC leadership dispute to maintain the status quo pending the determination of Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/134/2026, while the High Court in Warri delivered a separate ruling protecting the swearing-in of High Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei and the newly elected executives

The Bayelsa ruling, delivered by Hon. Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi, temporarily restrained actions capable of altering the leadership structure, while Justice Anthony Olotu Akpovi of the Delta State High Court dismissed objections against the election and granted legal protection for the swearing-in process.

The judge also ruled that the INC constitution does not restrict swearing-in to Bayelsa alone and affirmed that inauguration could validly take place in Rivers or Delta State zonal offices.

These conflicting legal outcomes have intensified scrutiny and heightened public tension, with many observers warning that the controversy could permanently affect the credibility and moral authority of the INC across the Niger Delta.

Analysts say the manner in which the transition was handled has exposed deep cracks within the leadership structure of the congress and raised urgent questions about transparency, legitimacy, and the future direction of the apex Ijaw body.

As tensions continue to rise, many stakeholders are now calling for reconciliation, truth, and a return to the original principles of the Ijaw struggle.

For many across the region, one painful question remains: Has the dignity of the Ijaw National Congress been preserved—or permanently damaged?