In a powerful display of leadership and legal conviction, the newly installed Awitong of the Okadameri Clan, Maj. Rtd Fred Gawera, has officially marked his territory as the singular, legitimate head of his people. Standing firm against those who seek to sow seeds of discord, Gawera has sent a clear message to all breakaway groups: respect the established order or face the legal hammer of justice.
The story of Gawera’s rise is one of patience, transparency, and deep respect for tradition. His journey to the throne began not with a grab for power, but with a selfless commitment to service. In 2023, when the former leader, Jimmy Anthony Oyuku, moved to Canada, he entrusted the clan’s future to Gawera. For nearly a year, Gawera served as a steady hand in a caretaker role, proving his dedication before ever seeking a permanent mandate.
When the time finally came for a formal election, the process was anything but a secret. Through widely broadcast radio announcements starting in early 2026, every eligible member was invited to step forward. Yet, when the nomination window closed, Maj. Rtd Fred Gawera stood alone as the sole candidate. With no objections raised during the mandatory waiting period and a formal oath taken before a Commissioner for Oaths, his position is not just a matter of opinion—it is a matter of law.
During his official enthronement in Aduku, the message from the clan’s top brass was one of unwavering unity. Gawera’s administration has made it clear that any group attempting to perform shadow ceremonies or use the Okadameri name without authorization is engaging in an illegal act. These factions have been given a simple choice: rename themselves and find their own identity, or prepare for a battle in the courtroom.
The stakes for the Okadameri people are high, and the clan’s 1st Deputy Prime Minister, Henry Opio Ogenyi, has highlighted the dangerous social fallout of such internal fighting. He warned that when a clan fractures, the risk of accidental intermarriage increases, which can lead to a rise in devastating genetic conditions like sickle cell disease. By protecting the unity of the clan, Gawera is not just protecting a title; he is protecting the long-term health and survival of his people.
Supporting this stance, General Secretary Ebong Solomon Cankare pointed out that the disgruntled individuals currently causing trouble are those who simply failed to meet the constitutional requirements for leadership. He cautioned the public against being swayed by forged documents or deceptive claims, reminding everyone that the true instruments of power were handed over directly to Gawera by the previous leader.
The Clan Speaker, Ocen Solomon, echoed these sentiments, noting that while the election was designed to be inclusive and unifying, some chose to stand on the sidelines. He has extended an olive branch, urging those who have wandered away to return home and work under the one true leadership recognized by the ancestors and the law alike.
Ultimately, the mandate of Maj. Rtd Fred Gawera is built on a foundation of constitutional integrity and a genuine desire to see the Okadameri Clan thrive. With the official blessing of the former leader and the backing of a transparent electoral process, Gawera remains the only rightful custodian of the clan’s authority and future.