𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗢: 𝗔𝗽𝗲𝘅 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗯𝗼-𝗜𝗷𝗮𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆, 𝗔𝗜𝗜𝗬𝗖, 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗨𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗯𝗶𝗸𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗶 𝗔𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲

By NigerDelta Voice,

Niger Delta, Nigeria.

The 2026 election of the Arogbo-Ijaw Ibe Youth Council (AIIYC) the apex youth body of the indigenous people of Arogbo, has been successfully conducted in Asere Community, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, with Utanghan Ebikontei Education emerging as the new President of the youth body.

The election, which was conducted peacefully on Saturday August, 29, 2026, under the supervision of Iwabi M. Wonikiriebi, recorded a total of 92 votes cast across the various positions although some votes were declared invalid due to irregularities.

Utanghan Ebikontei Education secured an overwhelming 75 votes to defeat his closest contender, Mathew Tuemi, who polled 14 votes, while 3 votes were declared void.

The election also produced other executives who will work alongside the new president to pilot the affairs of the Arogbo-Ijaw Ibe Youth Council.

The Arogbo-Ijaw Ibe Youth Council, (AIIYC) is a conglomerate of youth councils of communities making up the Arogbo Kingdom. Thus delegates for the election are chosen from all the communities to vote leaders of their choice that will pilot the affairs of the youths in the kingdom in the next four years.

FULL RESULTS OF THE 2026 AIIYC ELECTION

Community Liaison Officer

• Eric Stanley — 52 votes
• Jedah Gabai — 38 votes
• Void — 2 votes
  Total: 92 votes

Financial Secretary

• Julius Ganbotei — 58 votes
• Abisere Alfred — 26 votes
• Void — 8 votes
  Total: 92 votes

Treasurer

• Bright Kowei — 42 votes
• Kpemi Pius — 23 votes
• Bekewei Hope — 22 votes
• Void — 5 votes
  Total: 92 votes

Spokesman/Public Relations Officer

• Aboyewa Kelly — 31 votes
• Ubogu Ebibotei — 29 votes
• Ojumiri Emmanuel — 26 votes
• Void — 6 votes
  Total: 92 votes

General Secretary

• Kiapini — 56 votes
• Oyobolo — 31 votes
• Void — 5 votes
  Total: 92 votes

Vice President

• Gogha Ebiwolatei — 60 votes
• Samuel Etari — 28 votes
• Void — 4 votes
  Total: 92 votes

President

• Utanghan Ebikontei Education — 75 votes
• Mathew Tuemi — 14 votes
• Void — 3 votes
  Total: 92 votes

Unopposed Executives

The AIIYC Electoral Committee Chairman also announced the return of the following candidates unopposed:

• Publicity Secretary: Mogul Gabai Ebimiyen
• Welfare Director I: Vacant — not contested
• Welfare Director II: Chf. Filatei Boijumiyen Lord
• Protocol Officer: Bralatei Benjamin
• Assistant Financial Secretary: Sheseboh E. Omoben
• Auditor: Abedenigo Goodluck
• Woman Leader II: Iborry Funamaere Joy
• Woman Leader I: Sannio Assurance
• Organising Secretary: Feku Victor

A New Chapter for AIIYC

The emergence of Utanghan Ebikontei Education as President, alongside the newly elected executives, marks a new chapter in the leadership of the Arogbo-Ijaw Ibe Youth Council.

The new administration is expected to focus on effective representation, youth unity, empowerment, accountability and community development, while working collectively to advance the interests and aspirations of Arogbo-Ijaw youths.

The peaceful conduct of the election has also been described as a positive step towards strengthening democratic participation and responsible youth leadership within the Arogbo-Ijaw Ibe community.

NigerDelta Voice congratulates the newly elected President, Utanghan Ebikontei Education, and all members of the new AIIYC executive on their emergence and wishes them a successful tenure.