Oron Union Centenary in Limbo as Burial Fund Dispute Triggers Legal Threats

The planned centenary celebration of the Oron Union, one of Nigeria’s oldest socio-cultural organizations may face indefinite suspension following renewed legal demands over an unresolved N200 million burial fund controversy involving the late Chief Ambe Bassey—an iconic former leader of the Union.

Son of the late three-time President-General of the Union, Evangelist Alfred Ambe Bassey, through his legal counsel Clifford Thomas, Esq., has issued a fresh ultimatum to the Union, demanding compliance with a 2004 judgment of the Akwa Ibom State High Court directing the Union to return funds allegedly raised for his father’s burial.

“For 30 of the Union’s 100 years, our family has been subjected to deceit, dishonor, and neglect. Until my father’s legacy is rightly honored and the judgment respected, the Union cannot in good conscience commemorate its history.” Alfred Bassey declared.

According to legal documents, the dispute dates back to 1995, when the Union reportedly solicited donations totaling approximately N200 million for the burial of the late Chief Ambe Bassey. The family contends that despite receiving substantial public funds, the Union failed to organize the burial or refund the money, prompting a protracted legal battle.

In a Suit No.: HU/79/96, the Akwa Ibom High Court ruled in 2004 that the Union should render account and remit all funds collected for the burial. The court further restrained the Union from organizing any memorial activities for Chief Bassey until compliance with its judgment.

Yet over two decades later, the Union is alleged to have neither complied with the judgment nor officially engaged the aggrieved family to resolve the impasse.

In a letter dated April 7, 2025, served on the current President-General of Oron Union, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey, and made available to our correspondent in Uyo at the weekend, the family issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding payment of N400 million as restitution or risk contempt proceedings and a formal report to the EFCC.

“Until my father’s name is cleared and the truth upheld, there can be no genuine celebration,” Evangelist Bassey insists.