By Solomon OKPO
Plans by the Oron Union to mark its 100th anniversary are under threat following allegations of a N200 million fraud involving the burial funds of late Chief Ambe Bassey, a revered three-time President of the Union.
Evangelist Alfred Ambe Bassey, son of the late patriot, through his legal representative, Clifford Thomas, Esq., has accused the Oron Union of defrauding his family. He stated that in 1995, the Union raised approximately N200 million for the burial of his father, but neither conducted the burial nor returned the funds.
“For 30 out of the 100 years of Oron Union’s existence, the family of Chief Ambe Bassey has been subjected to humiliation, deceit and neglect,” he lamented. He emphasized that his father, who significantly contributed to the growth and development of the Oro nation, deserves better treatment and respect from the Union.
Following years of unfulfilled promises by successive Union leadership to repay the funds, the matter was taken to the High Court of Akwa Ibom State in 1996. Judgment was delivered on March 31, 2004, in favour of the Ambe Bassey family. The court ordered the Union to account for and remit all funds raised for the burial and restrained it from holding any remembrance event for the late Chief without fulfilling its obligations.
In a fresh letter dated April 7, 2025, titled “Final Advice and Warning”, the family demanded compliance with the court judgment. The letter was addressed to the current President-General of the Union, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey. It warned that the Centenary Celebrations would be halted if the Union failed to pay the now-demanded sum of N400 million within seven days.
The aggrieved family threatened to involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), initiate contempt proceedings, and seek a court order to stop the Centenary celebrations if the demands are not met.
“The Union’s continuous defiance of the court’s ruling is a clear act of contempt and an insult to justice,” Alfred Ambe Bassey stated. “Until my father’s memory is honoured and justice served, I will not rest.”
The Oron Union has yet to officially respond to the allegations and the potential implications for its Centenary celebration.
