Our Constitution

How the community began

The Constitution opens with an account of our formation. The community was formed on Saturday 23 October 1993, at the first ever meeting of UK-based Ogbia people, held at the residence of Mr Oxford Olali. That meeting followed a letter titled "Calling all Ogbia Sons and Daughters", issued by Mr Harcourt Anthony Otokito to all known Ogbia persons living in the United Kingdom, and it produced an almost complete turnout. Regular monthly meetings have been held ever since.

Article 2 — Objects

• To unite all persons of Ogbia origin, their offspring and relations in the UK and Ireland and to contribute, wherever possible, towards the welfare and social well-being of all people of Ogbia, both at home and abroad. (2(a))
• To promote any charitable and lawful course earmarked at improving the conditions of life of the said persons by way of the relief of poverty, the advancement of education and general awareness, the provision of infrastructures and basic facilities that may facilitate the development of the Ogbia people and land. (2(b))
• To promote the cultural, historical and economic development of the Ogbia community in particular and the Ijaw people as a whole. (2(c))
• To promote peace, harmony, unity and co-operation among the Ogbia people and to encourage peaceful co-existence with one another and with our neighbours. (2(d))
• To work in unity with other organisations and individuals working for the common interest of the Ogbia people, the Riverine people, the Ijaw communities and all mankind. (2(e))
• To stand by and support one another in every way possible, both during happy and difficult times. (2(f))
• To project, promote and uphold a positive and responsible image for the Ogbia community and Nigeria in particular and our local UK communities in general, at all times. (2(g))

Article 4 — Membership

Full membership is open to:

• Persons of Ogbia origin resident in the United Kingdom (4.1(a))
• Descendants of persons of Ogbia origin resident in the UK (4.1(b))
• Close relations — wives, husbands and partners of persons of Ogbia origin resident in the UK (4.1(c))
• Honorary members, appointed at the discretion of the House and entitled to vote (4.1(d))

All members are equal in the eyes of the Constitution, with the same rights and the same obligations. The House considers and approves applications, and may end a membership for good and sufficient reason — but only after the member concerned has been heard.

Standing by one another

The Constitution recognises that members live thousands of miles from home, and sets out what the community does when something happens to one of us.

• Joyous occasions. Marriages, christenings, birthdays and other anniversaries receive the full support of members, who are expected to attend when invited. (4.5(a))
• Serious illness. Members give moral support by calls and visits; where someone is hospitalised, a delegation visit may be arranged and co-ordinated by the Welfare Officer. (4.5(b))
• Bereavement. An emergency meeting of the House is called at once. Members attend the family home regardless of distance, take turns to help for as long as needed, assist with a UK burial, and make a donation from the Welfare Fund — always subject to the wishes of the bereaved family. (4.5(c))
• Other mishaps. Members receive appropriate moral support, provided the Welfare Officer or another Executive member is informed at the time. (4.5(d))

A Welfare Fund is held separately from the main community fund and is governed by rules agreed by the membership (Article 4.6). Levels of support for weddings, births and bereavement are set out in the Constitution and may be reviewed by the House.

Article 5 — Officers

• President — Head of the community; directs its affairs and presides over all meetings.
• General Secretary — Head of the Secretariat and custodian of the administrative books and records; keeps the minutes.
• Assistant General Secretary — Assists and deputises for the General Secretary.
• Treasurer — Responsible for the safe custody of funds and for proper records of receipts and payments.
• Welfare Officer / Publicity Officer — Monitors the welfare of Ogbia people across the UK and is the first point of contact on welfare matters; also responsible for publicity.

Meetings, money and governance

• The House. The House — the whole membership in general meeting — is the supreme governing body and may override the decisions of any other organ of the community. (8.1)
• Elections and tenure. Officers are elected for twelve months and must stand for re-election; no officer may hold the same office for more than three consecutive years. (5.8.1, 5.8.2)
• Annual General Meeting. The March general meeting is the AGM, at which the outgoing Executive presents its annual report and financial statements. (5.8.4)
• Quorum and voting. A quorum is one third of the registered membership. Questions are decided by a simple majority; the chair holds a casting vote. (7.2.1, 7.7)
• Finances. Funds come from subscriptions, registration fees, grants, levies, fundraising and donations. The financial year runs 1 April to 31 March, accounts are audited at least once a year, and cheques need two of three signatories. (9.1, 9.2, 9.5, 9.9)
• Trustees and trust property. All members of the Executive act as trustees of the organisation. Title to property is vested in a custodian trustee or in between three and five individuals. (8.16, Article 11)
• Patrons. The community appoints UK-based and Nigeria-based Patrons in recognition of long-standing contributions to the Ogbia and Ijaw people. (Article 12)
• Amending the Constitution. Amendments need the assent of at least two thirds of members present and voting, with 21 days' written notice to the General Secretary and 14 clear days' notice of the meeting. (13.1, 13.2)

What we publish

The document below is the Constitution as reproduced in modern format, with the original wording retained. Bank account numbers and sort codes are blank in the document itself. Personal addresses and signatures are not published on this website.