Oron Union Founded 1925

THE
CONSTITUTION
OF

ORON UNION

(1996) AS AMENDED DECEMBER, 2011

 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

CONSTITUTION OF ORON UNION OF 1996 8. Procedure for Membership

AS AMENDED (DECEMBER 27, 2011) 9. Ineligibility/disqualification from Membership
10. Withdrawal from Membership
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

Preamble ARTICLE V :
ESTABLISHMENT OF BRANCHES AND SPECIAL WINGS
ARTICLE I : 11. Establishment of Branches
SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION 12. Creation of special wings of the Union

Section
1. SUPREMACY AND RELATED MATTERS ARTICLE VI :
BRANCH ADMINISTRATION
ARTICLE II: 13a. Officers/Mrmbers of the Branch
NAME/MOTTO/HEADQUARTERS/ANTHEM 13b. Powers and Functions of Branches
2. Name 13c. Elections of Branch Officers
3. Motto
14. Bye-election
4. Headquarters
5. Oro Anthem 15. Functions of the Branch officers
16. Branch Annual General meeting
ARTICLE III :
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARTICLE VII :
6. The aims and objectives of the Union, OFFICERS/MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE
shall includes COMMITTEE (C.E.C) OF THE UNION
ARTICLE IV : Section
17. Officers of central Executive
MEMBERSHIP AND RELATED MATTER
Committee (C.E.C)
7. Eligibility for Membership 18. Functions of Officers of the Central
Executive Committee

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19. Tenure of office. 29. Resignation of member(s)/officer from office

(a) Branch Executive Committee 30. Suspension and removal of member from office or the
(b) Members of the Central Executive Union
Committee
31. Disciplinary and Appeal Committee
ARTICLE VIII: 32. Power of the AGM./Conference to ratify
MEETINGS OF THE UNION disqualification, Suspension , termination or
20. Types of Meetings removal.
21. Annual General Meeting/conference
22. Special General Meeting (S.G.M) ARTICLE X :
23a. Central Executive Committee (C.E.C)
THE COUNCIL OF ELDERS
23b. Quorum, Meetings and Venue
23c. Power of the Central Executive Committee Section:
(C.E.C) 33a. Appointment and qualification
23d. Power of the President General at Central 33b. Membership and composition
Executive Committee Meeting 33c. Functions of council of Elders
23e. Decisions of the Central Executive Committee
33d. Officers of the council of Elders
(C.E.C)

ARTICLE IX : ARTICLE XI :
ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNION
Section
CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
34a. Composition and Appointment of the (BOT)Board of
24a. Election
Trustees
24b. Rights of delegates and eligibility of vote
34b. Functions of the Board of Trustees, the board shall:
25. Participation by Observer (s) 34c. Removal of Trustees
26. Special qualification for some officers ARTICLE XII :
27. Bye – election FINANCE
28. Swearing-in/Inauguration of officers Section
of the union 35a. Sources of Funds
35b. Banking of Funds by the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C)
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35c. Banking of Funds by the Branch 40a. Formation of Wings/Bodies

35d. Financial Year/Budget 40b. Condition for formation or recognition

ARTICLE XIII: STANDING ORDERS ARTICLE XIX:

36. Decision by the Union, Its Branches RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND ETHNIC
and Committee
NATIONALITIES/CULTURAL ORGANIZATION(S)
41. Co-operations with other organizations
ARTICLE XIV:
42. Relationship with Local Government Council
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISM OF THE UNION
43. Relationship with Council Oro Traditional Rulers
(COTR)
ARTICLE XV: COMMITTEES OF THE UNION
37a. Standing Committees
37b. Ad-H Committees ARTICLE XVX
37c. Composition and Membership of the Committees INTERPRETATIONS/AMMENDMENTS
37d. Control of the Committees 46A. Interpretation
46B. Amendment
ARTICLE XVI:
38. EMPLOYEES OF THE UNION SCHEDULE II: ORO ANTHEM
SCHEDULE II: OATHS
ARTICLE XVII:
39.POWERS OF THE UNION

ARTICLE XVIII:
RELATIONSHIP WITH WINGS, BODIES AND ASSOCIATIONS OF
THE UNION

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PREAMBLE
We, the people of Oro Nation, presently constituted in,
and spread across the eleven Clans in the five Local
Government Areas of Oro Nation namely: Mbo, Okobo,
Oron, Udung Uko and Urue-offong/Oruko;
RECOGNIZING: ourselves as a distinct ethnic nationality
and people in the present Akwa Ibom State of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria;
HAVING FIRMLY RESOLVED to live together in peace,
unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble
family under one Union having perpetual succession, to
preserve and promote the rich traditional and cultural
heritage and values of our people to benefit from the
obvious advantages. derivable from natural co-existence
and oneness in articulating our various interests;
AND ABOVE ALL, for the specific purpose of striving to
actualize the aims and objectives set out hereunder and
more;
DO HEREBY make, enact and give to ourselves the
following Constitution:
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ARTICLE 1:
SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION
1. SUPREMACY AND RELATED MATTERS:
A. Subject to the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria and other laws of Nigeria, this
Constitution is supreme and its
provisions shall have binding force on all persons,
authorities Clans and Branches operating it.
B. The Union shall not be governed, nor shall any
person or group of persons take executive office
except in accordance with the provisions of this
Constitution.
C. No part of this Constitution shall be amended,
added to, suspended or altered except as
provided for in this Constitution.
D. All Branches of the Union and Clans in Oro nation
shall be bound by this Constitution.
E. No Bye-law of a Branch or Organ(s) of the Union
shall be effective unless same is approved by
the Central Executive Committee of the
Union.
F. Any provision of a bye-law or a regulation of any
Branch, Clan or Organ of the Union which is
inconsistent with the provisions of this
Constitution shall to the extent of its
inconsistency be void.
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ARTICLE II: ARTICLE III:

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
NAME/MOTTO/HEADQUARTERS/ ANTHEM
6. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE UNION
2. NAME:
Shall include:
The name of the Association shall be ORON
A. To maintain and protect the unity and heritage of
UNION (hereinafter referred to as "The Union")
Oro,to create better understanding among the Oro
3. MOTTO: people and loyalty to our fatherland and to ensure
The Motto of the Union shall be "Unity and for Oro a place in the affairs and institutions of
Progress" Nigeria and the world at large.
B. To assist in the creative development of Oro
4. HEADQUARTERS: people, religiously, culturally, educationally,
The Headquarters of the Union shall be in Oro economically and socially as a means of self
Civic Centre Complex, Oron Town. actualization of the Oro people in an ever
advancing civilization.
5. ORO ANTHEM:
C. To seek to assert ourselves in every field of human
The Oro Anthem shall be as contained in the first
schedule to this Constitution and all members of endeavor and to discover and maintain what is
the Union shall sing the Oro Anthem at all noble in the customs and traditions of the Oro
meetings and functions of the Union. people.
D. To foster in Oro children love for Oro, her customs
and traditions.
E. To co-operate and associate with other progressive
bodies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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F. To promote and preserve the cultural ties, lineage
and traditions of Oro people.
G. To inculcate in Oro children through advice, formal
training, recreational programmes, these cultural
ties and lineages and thereby promote harmony
among them, and between them and other groups
in Nigeria.
H. To inculcate in Oro people the spirit of self
development and create greater awareness about
the economic enhancement and other
empowerment of Oro people.
I. To mobilize Oro men, women and youths for
concrete activities toward achieving specific
objectives provided these are geared towards Oro
positive improvement.
J. To reposition Oro people for greater participation
in Local, State and National issues/affairs.
K. To ensure the educational, economic, and social
well being of the Oro people through proactive
programmes aimed at accomplishing self
awareness, self-esteem, self-empowerment and
self-pride.
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ARTICLE IV:
MEMBERSHIP AND RELATED MATTERS
7. ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP
Membership of the Union shall be by registration
and shall be open to the following categories of
persons:
A. Any person who is an indigene of the Clans that
make up Oro or any person whose parent or
grandparent is an indigene of any village in Oro
nation.
B. Citizens of Oro, their spouses and adopted children.
C. Person(s) who by reason of blood relationship with
Oro people desire to become member(s) may be
considered. Such person(s) specified in A, B and C
above shall apply to a Branch of the Union for
membership and the said Branch shall refer the
application to the Central Executive Committee
(C.E.C) of the Union for consideration and approval.
D. Honorary Membership: Any non-Oro indigence of
good character who has demonstrated overt love
for Oro or anything Oro or has made substantial
contributions toward the advancement, progress
and well-being of Oro may be made an Honourary
member of the Union on the recommendation of
the Branch he is interested to become a member
subject to the approval of the Central
Executive Committee (C.E.C) of the Union.
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8. PROCEDURE FOR MEMBERSHIP
Any person who qualifies for membership under the
foregoing provisions of this Constitution shall
become a member of the Union subject to
the following conditions:
A. Membership of the Union is tantamount to
membership of a Branch/Clan.
B. An interested person shall apply to become a
member of the Union in a Branch convenient or
closest to him.
C. Every member shall be liable to pay to his Branch,
registration fees, dues and other levies as may be
prescribed by the Branch.
D. Every member shall on registration be issued with a
membership card which shall be signed by the
President General and Secretary General of the
Union and may be transferred between Branches.
9. INELIGIBILITY/DISQUALIFICATION
FROM MEMBERSHIP
No person shall be registered as a member of the
Union or continue to be a member of the Union
where he:
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A. Is declared or adjudged to be of unsound mind.
B. Has been convicted of any criminal offence by a
court of competent jurisdiction in respect of an
offence involving dishonesty or fraud or any
heinous offence.
C. Is adjudged bankrupt.
D. Has been found guilty or held liable by his Branch,
Clan for acts of treachery, disloyalty, rebellion or
other acts inimical to the progress, unity,
discipline and morality of the Branch, Clan,
provided such a member was given a fair hearing.
E. Where a member is adjudged guilty as provided for
in the foregoing paragraphs 9 (A-D) above, such
decision shall be referred to the Central
Executive Committee (C.E.C.) for ratification and
confirmation at the Annual General Meeting of the
Union.
10. WITHDRAWAL FROM MEMBERSHIP
A. A member of the Union whether at the
Branch/Clan of the Union or a member of
the Central Executive Committee of the Union may
a t a n y t i m e w i t h d r a w h i s
membership voluntarily from the Union upon a
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written notification to his Branch/Clan
President through his Branch/Clan Secretary.
B. Any member who exercises his right in
accordance with the provisions in sub-
section 10(A) above need not give any reason
whatsoever for his decision to withdraw.
C. A member of the Branch who is transferred from
his place of employment or abode and relocates
to another place far from his original
Branch/Clan may transfer his membership to
the Branch/Clan convenient or closest to him.
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ARTICLE V:
ESTABLISHMENT OF BRANCHES AND SPECIAL WINGS
11. ESTABLISHMENT OF BRANCHES
Branches of the Union may be established in any
Village, Town, City, Local Government Area, State
or other places in Nigeria or outside Nigeria upon
the presentation of a Charter to such Branch by the
Central Executive Committee (C.E.C) of the
Union upon fulfillment of the following conditions:
A. A consistent minimum attendance of at least 10
members in the proposed new Branch of the
Union for a period of at least six (6) months
preceding the application for Charter.
B. Payment of Charter fees as may be determined by
the Central Executive Committee (C.E.C).
C. Where a Branch has become dormant or
inoperative for a period of two (2) years
c o n s e c u t i v e l y, t h e C e n t r a l E x e c u t i v e
Committee (C.E.C) may withdraw t h e c h a r t e r
granted to such Branch, in which case, the said
Branch shall cease to operate forthwith.
D. A Branch or an affiliate body of the Union shall be
deemed to be inoperative or dormant where it
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fails to discharge her financial obligations to ARTICLE: VI:

the C.E.C. for two (2) consecutive years. BRANCH ADMINISTRATION
E. All existing Branches prior to the coming into
force of this Constitution shall be deemed to 13A. OFFICERS/MEMBERS OF THE BRANCH
have been chartered pursuant to the foregoing Each chartered Branch shall have the following
provisions of this Constitution and shall be bound officers, listed (i) -(ix) and Members, listed (x).
Provided that Auditors shall not be members of the
by the foregoing provisions.
Branch Executive Committee (B. E. C.):
F. Any other condition as the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C.) may in its discretion (i) President
prescribe. (ii) Vice President
G. In the villages of Oro, the unit for the Branch-shall ` (iii) Secretary
be the Clan and not more than one Branch shall be (iv) Assistant Secretary
formed in any Clan. (v) Financial Secretary
H. There shall be the Oron Town Branch which shall (vi) Treasurer
draw its membership amongst Oro people residing (vii) Publicity Secretary
(viii) Welfare Officer
in Oro Town and its environs.
(ix) Legal Adviser
(x) Three (3) Ex-officio Members including
12. CREATION OF SPECIAL WINGS OF THE UNION a Past President
A. In order to improve the administration and co- (xi) Two (2) Auditors
ordination of the activities of the Union, there
shall be special wings such as Women, Students 13B. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BRANCH
and Youths wings, among others. (I) The Branch Executive Committee and
B. Oro Women, Students and Youths may organize General Meeting shall be held regularly from
themselves into Women, Students and Youths wings time to time and at first sunday of every month.
The quorum in each meeting shall be
respectively of the Branch for the purpose of
determined by each Branch.
pursuing interest pertaining to them.
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(ii) The Branch Executive Committee or the (iv)
President shall have the powers to summon
Ordinary and S p e c i a l m e e t i n g s o f t h e
Branch when necessary . 14.
(iii) All Branches shall send quarterly reports of their
A.
activities and returns to the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C) and the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C) shall also send its quarterly
B.
report to the Branches.
(iv) The funds and property of the Branches shall be
the common property of the Union.
13C. ELECTIONS OF BRANCH OFFICERS: C.
(i) Elections of the Branch Officers shall be held, as
far as possible, during the Annual General
Meeting of the Branch in February of election
year, or such month as may be agreed by the
Branch in a General meeting D.
(ii) Elections shall be held once in two (2) years and
shall be either by secret ballot or by show of
hands.
(iii) Any person who is not an active and financial
member of a Branch for at least 6 months before 15.
an election shall not be eligible to vote or hold A.
office in the Branch except in the case of a new
Branch.
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Management of a Branch shall be the responsibility
of the Branch Executive Committee (B.E.C)
BYE-ELECTION
Any vacancy in the office of the Branch between
two (2) elections may be filled in a General
Meeting of the Branch.
Where a vacancy occurs in the Branch Executive
Committee, a member of a Branch shall be
appointed to act in that office for a period of not
more than 90 days.
Where there is vacancy in the office of the
President or Secretary of the Branch, the Vice
President or the Assistant Secretary shall act
respectively in the said office for a period not more
than 90 days.
The Executive Committee of the Branch shall
constitute an Electoral Committee to conduct bye-
election into the said vacant office(s) within the 90
days' acting period.
FUNCTIONS OF THE BRANCH OFFICERS
The President shall:
(I) Preside at all meetings and functions of the
Branch.
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C.
(ii) Sign minutes of the General and Executive
Meetings of the Branch.
(iii) Cause the Secretary to issue notice of the
General, Executive and Emergency
meetings of the Branch.
(iv) Sign orders and vouchers of the Branch
Treasury and withdrawals of the funds of
the Branch from the bank.
(v) Conduct a division and terminate debates
(vi) Have an original and a casting vote.
(vi) Do such other things as the Branch or his
office may require him to do.
B. The Vice President
(i) The Vice-President shall assist the
President and, act for the President
whenever the President is absents from
m e e t i n g ( s ) .
(ii) If the President and the Vice-President are
absent from any meeting(s) any member of
the Branch Executive Committee may be
appointed to preside over that meeting.
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The Secretary
The Secretary shall:
(i) Keep all books, documents and other
property pertaining to his office.
(ii) Take and keep minutes of meetings of the
Branch.
(iii) Convene meeting(s) of the Branch when so
directed by the President.
(iv) Handle correspondence of the Branch
including sending returns and quarterly
reports on the activities of the Branch to
the Central Executive Committee.
(v) Prepare and forward to the Secretary-
General of the Union not later than the
30th November, every year;
a. The Annual Report of the activities of
the Branch for the year and matters
for discussion at the Annual General
Meeting or Conference of the Union.
b. The names of the Branch members,
officers and representatives or
delegate to the Annual General
M e e t i n g o r
Conference.
(vi) Shall be a co-signatory to the
Account of the Branch.
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D. The Assistant Secretary

The Assistant Secretary shall:
(i) Assist the Secretary in the performance of
his duties.
(ii) Act in the absence of the Secretary.
(E) The Financial Secretary
The Financial Secretary shall:
(i) Collect and issue receipt on contributions,
levies, dues, loans, refunds, fines etc and
handover to the Treasurer within 24 hours
of the receipt(s) of such monies.
(ii) Endorse membership cards in respect of
payment.
(iii) Liaise with the Treasurer and prepare
vouchers and other financial documents of
the Branch.
(iv) Make his books and documents available to
the Auditor when required.
F. The Treasurer
The Treasurer shall:
(i) Receive and pay into the account of the
Branch all monies received for and on
behalf of the Branch within 24 hours of
collection.
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(ii) Keep an imprest amount which sum
shall be determined by the
branch from time to time.
(iii) Pay all bills duly approved by the
President.
(iv) Keep a true and accurate record of all
receipts and payments.
(v) Submit his books for annual or emergency
Audit whenever required.
(vi) Be a co-signatory to all withdrawals of
funds of the Branch from the bank.
(vii) Liaise with the Financial Secretary to
prepare periodic financial report of the
Branch when the need arises.
G. The Publicity Secretary
The Publicity Secretary shall:
(i) Prepare press release(s) on the Branch
activities with the approval of the
Executive Committee.
(ii) Perform-any other duty incidental to his
office or as may be directed by the
Executive Committee.
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H. The Welfare Officer
The Welfare Officer shall:
(i) Be in charge of or oversee the welfare
and social activities of the Branch.
(ii) Arrange social functions on behalf of the
Branch on the directive of the Branch
Executive Committee.
(iii) Be responsible for visitations and
acquainting new sons and daughters of
Oro nation within its domain of the
existence of the Union as well as
encourage non-members to be
interested in the affairs of the Branch.
(iv) Advise on welfare matters and keep the
Branch informed of developments
affecting members and Oro people such
as births, arrivals, departures, illnesses,
marriages, deaths, etc.
I. The Legal Adviser
The Legal Adviser of the Branch shall:
(i) Advise the Branch and its officers on all
legal matters and on the Constitution,
rules, regulations and bye-laws of the
Branch.
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(ii) Defend or arrange for the legal defense of
the Branch or its members subjects to the
approval of the Executive Committee.
(iii) Conduct other legal business of the
Branch.
J. Ex-officio Members
(i) Every Branch shall have three (3) Ex-officio
Members in the Executive Committee
including the immediate past Branch
President.
(ii) Ex-officio members shall take part in the
meetings of the Branch and participate
effectively in the affairs of the Branch.
K. The Auditors
The Auditors shall:
(i) Audit the account(s) of the Branch and may
be called upon by the Branch to audit such
account from time to time.
(ii) Submit an Audit Report annually to the
Annual General Meeting of the Branch or at
such other times as the Branch may direct.
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16. BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ARTICLE: VII:

A. The Branch Annual General Meeting shall be held OFFICERS/MEMBERS OF CENTRAL EXECUTIVE
on the 1 st Sunday of February every year or such date COMMITTEE (C.E.C) OF THE UNION
as may be agreed by the Branch in a General
meeting. In an election year, names of elected 17. A. The following persons shall constitute the
officers of the Branch and Audit Report shall be membership of the Central Executive
forwarded to the Central Executive Committee Committee (C.E.C.) of the Union. Provided,
(C.E.C) not later than the 15th day of March of the however, that the members listed (i) - (ix)
same year or not later than 30 days from the date shall be the statutory officers of the C. E. C.:
of the Branch's election. (i) President-General
(ii) Vice Presidents-General I and II
B. The Branch's Secretary shall forward a Report of its (iii) Secretary-General
Branch Annual General Meeting to the Secretary- (iv) Assistant Secretary-General I and II
General not later than 30 days from the date of the (v) Treasurer
said Annual General Meeting. (vi) Financial Secretary
(vii) Publicity Secretary
(viii) Welfare Officer
(ix) Legal Adviser I and II
(x) Ex-Officio Members made up of:
a. Immediate Past President-General of
the Union
b. Branch Presidents
c. Clan Representative of the Clans of
Oro nation

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d. National President of Women,
Youths and Students, Wings
e. Chairman of Council of Oro
Traditional Rulers (COTR) or his
representative.
18. THE FUNCTIONS OF OFFICERS OF CENTRAL
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
A. PRESIDENT GENERAL
The President General shall:
(i) Preside at all meetings and functions of the
Union including the Central Executive
Committee and Annual General Meeting or
Conference.
(ii) Be the "Chief spokesman of Oro Nation at
all meetings or functions involving Oro people
and non-Oro people.
(iii) Direct the Secretary-General to issue
notices of Central Executive
C o m m i t t e e ( C . E . C ) ,
Emergency, Annual and Special General
Meetings of the Union.
(iv) Sign minutes of meeting(s) after adoption.
(v) Sign all orders and vouchers of the Union
Treasury and all withdrawals from the
banks within a specified approval limit to
be determined by the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C).
(vi) Be a signatory with either the Secretary-
General or the Treasurer to the Accounts of
the Union.
(vii) Present to the Annual General Meeting a
written Presidential Address highlighting
the Union's activities during the year under
review.
(viii) Exercise oversight function in respect of
customary and traditional matters.
(ix) Be a member of the Council of Oro
Traditional Rulers (COTR) and attend its
meeting or nominate any member of the
Union to represent the Union.
(x) Supervise the activities of the Elders
Council, Oro Think-Tank, Women, Students
and Youths wings.
(xi) Be in-charge of the Union's economic and
investment undertakings.
(xii) Perform all the duties and functions

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incidental to the office of the President-
General.
B. VICE PRESIDENTS-GENERAL I AND II
The Vice-Presidents-General I and II shall:
(i) Assist the President-General in the
performance of his duties
(ii) In the absence of the President-General,
the Vice President General I shall act in the
capacity of the President-General.
(iii) In the absence of the President-General
and the Vice President General I, the Vice
President General II shall act in the
capacity of the President-General.
(iv) In the absence of President-General and
Vice Presidents General I and II, any
member of the C.E.C. present may be
appointed to preside over the meeting.
(v) Where the President-General resigns or
vacates his office on ground of ill-health,
bankruptcy or indictment by a court of
competent jurisdiction, he shall cease to
remain in office and the Vice President-
General I shall act as President-General for
a period not exceeding three (3) months
within which election of a substantive
President-General shall be elected.
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(vi) The President-General may assign certain
specific roles or duties pertaining to the
Union's internal affairs and external
relations to the Vice Presidents General I
and II for the efficient administration of
the Union, and they shall at all times brief
the President General on their activities.
(vii) The President-General shall assign to the
Vice President- General I the exercise of
the oversight function in the Union's
external relations with the following
bodies: Federal, State and Local
Governments and their agencies,
multinational companies,
corporate bodies and Branch
supervision, Branch charter
process, Branch bye-law
coding, returns from Branches,
membership and related matters.
(viii) The President-General shall also assign to
the Vice President- General II the exercise
of the oversight functions with respect to
supervision of Clans, disputes and
conflicts resolutions, scholarship scheme,
resuscitation of dormant
Clan or Branches, Union's Co-operatives
and cooperation with other
ethnic andsocio-cultural
organizations.
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C. SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Secretary-General shall:
(i) Be the Head of the Secretariat of the
Union's Headquarters.
(ii) Record and keep the minutes of meetings
and functions of the Union in the proper
books provided for such purposes.
(iii) Issue notices of meeting(s) and function(s)
of the Union as may be directed by the
President-General or the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C).
(iv) Handle all the correspondence of the
Union.
(v) Maintain a directory of Branches and Clans
of the Union, Women, Youths and Students
wings.
(vi) Supervise and exercise control over the
administration of the Union's headquarters
and the staff.
(vii) Sign all orders and vouchers of the Union
Treasury within specified approval limits as
may be determined by Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C) from time to time.
(viii) Be a co-signatory to the withdrawal of
money from the Union's Account.
26
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
(ix) Endorse approved petty cash vouchers of
the Union at the headquarters.
(x) Prepare and present a formal Annual Report
of the Secretariat at the Annual General
Meeting of the Union.
(xi) Be under the direction of the President-
General and the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C.).
(xii) Prepare an inventory of all moveable and
immoveable, real and corporate property
of the Union and deposit a copy of each of the
said inventory with the Trustees.
(xiii) Be a member of the Central Planning
Committee of Annual General Meeting or
Conference.
(xiv) Perform all other duties incidental to his
office.
D. ASSISTANT SECRETARIES GENERAL I AND II Shall:
(i) Assist the Secretary-General in the
performance of his duties.
(ii) Act in the absence of the Secretary-
General.
27
 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
(a) The Assistant Secretary General I shall:-
Assist the Secretary-General in the exercise
of administrative function of the Union with
respect to Branches administration and
communication, membership registration
and data bank, membership cards issuance
and control, Branches subscriptions and
membership directory development.
(b) The Assistant Secretary General II shall:-
Assist the Secretary-General in the exercise
of administration function in respect of the
Headquarters' Administration, hall and
property rentals, staff monitoring and
supervision, inventory control and assets
management.
(c) Perform other duties as may be assigned by
the Secretary- General.
E. Treasurer shall:
(i) Receive all monies for and on behalf of the
Union from the Financial Secretary.
(ii) Pay all such monies into the approved Bank
Account(s) of the Union within 24 hours of
28
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
receipt.
(iii) Pay or cause to be paid all bills and
vouchers duly approved by the Central
Executive Committee (C.E.C.) or the
President-General.
(iv) Keep a true and accurate record of all
receipts, payments and other transactions
carried out for and on behalf of the Union.
(v) Render proper Receipts and Payments
Account quarterly to the C.E.C; and to
prepare and submit Financial Report with
Balance Sheet of Assets and Liabilities of
the Union to AGM or Conference annually.
(vi) Be a co-signatory to withdrawal of funds
from the Union's Account.
(vii) Submit the books, receipts and relevant
records of the Union for audit when
required to do so.
(viii) Maintain an imprest account of an amount
approved by the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C).
F. FINANCIAL SECRETARY shall:
(i) Collect and issue receipts on
contributions, dues, levies,
29
 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
fines, loans, refunds, and
other monies of the Union and hand over
same to the Treasurer within 24 hours of the
receipt of such monies, and must ensure that the
Treasurer signs his register of receipt of
such money(ies).
(ii) Liaise with the Treasurer and prepare
vouchers for settlement of approved bills.
(iii) Liaise with the Treasurer to prepare
accurate Financial Records of Receipts and
Payments for submission to the Central
Executive Committee (C.E.C) or Auditor on
request.
(iv) Brief the C.E.C. promptly on any donation
or income and publish names of the donors.
(v) Make his financial records available to the
Auditor(s) when required to do so.
(vi) Prepare and submit to the Central
Executive Committee (C.E.C) on request
the financial status and transactions of the
Union.
(vii) Custody all Account and Receipt books and
financial documents belonging to the Union
30
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
and to produce them when so required.
G. PUBLICITY SECRETARY shall:
(i) Prepare press release(s) on the activities of
the Union which shall be published with the
approval of the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C) or the President-
General.
(ii) Be responsible for the proper display
and/or distribution of publication meant
for the publicity of the Union activities.
(iii) Perform public relations and protocol
functions of the Union.
(iv) Perform any other duty incidental to his
office and approved by the Central
Executive Committee (C.E.E.).
H. WELFARE OFFICER shall:
(i) Arrange all social functions on behalf of the
Union on the directive of the President-
General or Central Executive Committee
(C.E.C).
(ii) Be in-charge of or oversee the welfare,
social and entertainment activities of the
Union.
(iii) Perform any other duty incidental to his
office .
31
 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
I. LEGAL ADVISERS I AND II shall:
(i) Advise the Union and the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C.) on all legal matters
and on the Constitution, Rules and Regulations
of the Union and the Bye-laws of the
Branches.
(ii) Defend or arrange for the legal defense of
the Union or its members whenever the
need arises.
(iii) Handle all other legal businesses or
transactions of the Union.
(iv) Participate in meetings or negotiations on
matters affecting the Union.
(v) Exercise any other duty incidental to their
office.
J. AUDITORS shall:
(i) Be two (2) in number and shall be
appointed by Annual General
Meeting or Conference.
(ii) Audit the accounts of the Union and
submit a formal Audit Report
annually to the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C) and Annual
G e n e r a l M e e t i n g o r
32
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
Conference.
K. PATRONS
There shall be two classes of Patrons namely: the
Traditional and Special Patrons:
(i) The Traditional Patrons shall be Paramount
Rulers of the Local Government Areas in
Oro nation.
(ii) The Special Patrons shall be distinguished
Oro sons and daughters and shall be
determined and appointed by the Central
Executive Committee (C.E.C) subject to
approval of the Annual General Meeting.
(iii) They shall use their personal contacts,
connections and financial resources to
assist the Union.
(iv) They may be invited by the Central
Executive Committee (C.E.C) to attend and
participate in the meetings of the Union.
19. TENURE OF OFFICE
A. BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(i) An elected member of the Branch
Executive Committee shall hold office for a
period of 24 Calendar months.
(ii) An eligible member of the Branch Executive
Committee may be re-elected for a further
33
 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE VIII:
one term only for that particular office.
MEETINGS OF THE UNION
B. MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
20. TYPES OF MEETINGS
(i) The statutory officers of the Central
There shall be four kinds of meetings of the
Executive Committee (C.E.C.) shall be in
Union at the Central level viz:
office for a period not exceeding 24
A. Annual General Meeting (A.G.M)/Conference
Calendar months.
B. Special General Meeting (S.G.M)
(ii) An eligible officer of the Central Executive
C. Central Executive Committee (C.E.C)
Committee may be re-elected for a further
one term only for that particular office.
Provided that each of these meetings shall have power to
set up any Committee, Sub-Committee or Ad-hoc
committee and their duties defined. Meetings of such
Committee, Sub-committee or Ad-hoc Committee shall
be regarded as meetings of the Union.

21. A N N U A L G E N E R A L M E E T I N G
(AGM)/CONFERENCE)
A. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Conference
shall be the supreme authority of the Union
responsible for approval of policies and
consideration of matters referred to it by the
Central Executive Committee (C.E.C) and the
Branches.

34 35
 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

B. The AGM or Conference shall be held in December

Central Executive Committee (C.E.C).
of every year at the Union Civic Centre in Oron
(xi) Oro Nation's Political Office Holders
Town on a date to be determined by the Central
(xii) Distinguished and eminent sons and
Executive-Committee (C.E.C).
daughters of Oro extraction.
C. The Secretary-General shall give at least 30 days
(xiii) Any person who is not an active and
notice of an AGM with the approval of the Central
financial member of the Union shall not be
Executive Committee (C.E.C).
a representative to the Annual General
Meeting or Special General Meeting of the
D. ATTENDANCE AT THE AGM/CONFERENCE:
Union.
The following persons shall be entitled to attend
(xiv) Special invitees of the Union as the C. E. C.
the AGM/Conference;
may determine.
(i) Ahta Oro.
(ii) Trustees of the Union
E. QUORUM AT THE (AGM)/CONFERENCE:
(iii) Members of the Central Executive
Thirty (30)delegates, including members of the
Committee (C.E.C).
Central Executive Committee (C.E.C) shall form a
(iv) Paramount Rulers, Clan Heads and
quorum at the (AGM)/Conference. In the case of a
members of COTR .
Special General Meeting, twenty persons
(v) Executive and financial members of the
shall form a quorum.
Branches/Clans of the Union.
(vi) Executive Members of Oro Union Youth,
F. FUNCTIONS OF THE (AGM)/CONFERENCE
Women and Students Wings.
(i) To receive, debate and adopt the Annual
(vii) Traditional and Special Patrons.
Reports, President- General's Annual
(ix) Members of Oron Union Council of Elders.
Address.
(x) Any other organization to be determined by
(ii) To receive, debate and adopt the Annual

36 37
 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
Reports of the Secretary-General, the
Treasurer and the Auditors.
(iii) May alter, vary, repeal, add to, review or
amend this Constitution or any section or
provision thereof.
(iv) Discipline any officer, member or Branch of
the Union who is in breach of the Union's
Constitution.
(v) Exercise all or any of the powers vested in
` the Centra Executive Committee (C.E.C) or
direct the C.E.C. to put such powers
into operation.
(vi) Impose levies on members and Branches.
(vii) Consider matters referred to it by the
Central Executive Committee and the
Branch Executive Committee through the
Central Executive Committee (C.E.C.).
(viii) Elect the officers of the Central Executive
Committee (C.E.C) as listed in Section 17 A
(1) and (viii) of this Constitution.
(ix) Present awards to deserving members,
officers, branches or corporate bodies and
other individuals.
(x) Receive and consider reports from the
Branches, Clans, Bodies, Wings of the
Union.
38
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
(xi) Do all things, specified or otherwise, as
may be considered necessary or desirable
in the interest of the Union or of its
members.
G. POWER OF THE PRESIDENT-GENERAL AT THE
(AGM)/CONFERENCE
Subject to the approval of Conference, the
President-General shall have power to order the
exclusion of any delegate or observer from any
AGM of the Union if the conduct or the presence of
such a delegate or observer in the opinion of the
(AGM)/Conference is considered detrimental to
the interest of the meeting or the Union.
H. BINDING NATURE OF DECISIONS
Every decision of the (AGM)/Conference shall be
final, conclusive and binding on all members,
organs and Branches of the Union.
22. A. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING (SGM)
(i) A Special General Meeting (SGM) of the
Union may be convened by the President -
General or the Central Executive
Committee whenever it is considered
necessary.
39
 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
(ii) It may also be convened at the request of at
least five (5) Branches through the
President-General.
(iii) The President-General shall preside over
the Special General Meeting.
(iv) Attendance at the Special General meeting
shall be as in Sections 21 D and E of this
Constitution, respectively.
(ix) At least seven (7) days notice of the SGM of
the Union shall be given by the Secretary-
General with the approval of the President-
General, stating the date and time the SGM
will hold at the Union Civic Center or any
approved venue.
A. FUNCTIONS OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
It shall deal with specific business for which the
said meeting was convened.
23. CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (C.E.C)
A. The Central Executive Committee (C.E.C) shall be
responsible for the general administration of the
businesses and affairs of the Union, and taking
actions for and on behalf of the Union in the
intervals between two Annual General Meetings.
40
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
B. QUORUM, MEETING AND VENUE:
(i) Seven members, including officers as
provided for in Section 17 (A) shall form a
quorum at Central Executive Committee
(C.E.C) meeting.
(ii) The Central Executive Committee shall
hold its meetings every month at the Oro
Civic Center, Oron or at such other place
as the President-General or the C.E.C. may
decide, provided not less than seven days
notice of the said meeting shall have been
given to those entitled to attend.
(iii) The Secretary-General shall also notify
members of the time and venue of the said
meeting.
(iv) The President-General or the Central
Executive Committee (C.E.C) may approve
the hosting of C.E.C. meeting(s) outside
the Oron Civic Centre on rotational basis
by Clans, Branches, Oro Political office
holders, and other prominent citizens of
Oro after a prior consultation and
agreement with them.
41
 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

decisions and actions as may be necessary

24. POWER OF THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE
or desirable in the interest of the Union or
COMMITTEE (C.E.C)
of its members.
The C.E.C. shall have power to:
(ix) Determine any matter, question or issue in
(i) Impose levies on members, Branches of
which this Constitution is silent, provided
the Union.
such matter, question shall be ratified by
(ii) Hear and decide appeals by members,
the A.G.M.
clans and Branches of the Union.
(x) Co-opt any person, for the purpose of
(iii) Make rules and regulations for the proper
acquiring expert advice on certain matters
administration and conduct of the' affairs
of interest to the Union and to co-opt or
of the Union.
permit any person to attend the C.E.C
(iv) Appoint the Legal Advisers of the Union to
meeting(s) as an observer, provided that;
serve on the C. E. C.
(a) An observer may speak but not vote
(v) Appoint paid officers of the Union as may
at the meeting.
be considered necessary or desirable in the
(b) A co-opted member shall have the
interest of the Union and lay down
right to speak and vote.
conditions of service for such officers.
(viii) Supervise and monitor the election of
(vi) Appoint any Committee or Sub-
Branch officers as well as the various wings
committee, Standing or Ad-hoc Committee
of the Union at the Central level.
to deal with specific business of the Union,
provided such Committee shall be subject
to the control of the C.E.C.
(vii) Make arrangements for holding the AGM,
SGM and C.E.C. meetings of the Union.
(viii) Perform all such other duties and take such

42 43
 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
D. Power of the President-General at Central
Executive Committee Meeting
The President-General shall have power to order
the exclusion of any member, co-opted member
or observer from a meeting of the C.E.C. if the
conduct or presence of such person is considered
i n t h e
opinion of the C.E.C. to be detrimental to the best
interest of the meeting of the Union.
E. Decisions of Central Executive Committee
(C.E.C)
Every decision or order of C.E.C shall be binding
on all members, organs and branches and no
decision or order of the C.E.C shall be questioned,
reversed, restricted except by way of appeal to
the AGM, BOT or SGM of the Union.
44
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE IX:
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
24A. ELECTIONS:
(i) Election shall be held at the Annual General
Meeting/Conference of the Union.
(ii) Election shall be held once in every two (2)
years in an election year, and shall be by
delegates.
(iii) Election into the offices of the Central
Executive Committee of the Union shall be
held on the last day of the Annual
Conference of the Union after dissolution of
the C. E. C.
(iv) Notification of the election date shall be
communicated to all Branches not later
than 30 days before the election.
(v) Prior to elections, Aspirants for election
shall signify their intentions by completing
appropriate forms obtainable at the Union
Headquarters or their respective Branches.
(vi) Names of all Aspirants vying for positions
and offices shall be communicated to all
Branches and be displayed at Oro Civic
Centre's Notice Board not later than 7 days
to the Annual Conference of the Union.
45
 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
(vii) Election should be by either secret ballot or
by show of hands, and shall be conducted
by a 3-Member Electoral Committee,
consisting of a Chairman/Returning Officer,
a Polling Clerk and a Polling Assistant who
shall be appointed by the AGM/Conference
at the last day of the AGM/Conference.
(viii) At the conclusion of election into any
office,the result(s) shall be released
immediately and winner(s) and loser(s)
declared by the Electoral Committee.
(ix) Candidate(s) or Contestant(s) for any post
shall be deemed elected into an office by
simple majority of total votes cast by the
delegates.
24B. RIGHTS OF DELEGATE(S) AND ELIGIBILITY TO
VOTE
(i) Every delegate attending an AGM shall be
entitled to speak or vote on any issue at the
meeting, provided he is not disqualified
from exercising such right by any provision
of this Constitution.
46
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CONSTITUTION
25 PARTICIPATION BY OBSERVER(S)
A. Observer(s) may be invited to any A.G.M by the
Central Executive Committee.
B. The President-General may permit an Observer to
speak but no Observer shall have the right to vote.
C. Observer(s) shall retire from the meeting when
the said meeting dissolves into a Committee of the
Whole House.
26. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICERS
OF THE UNION
A. The President-General and the Secretary-General
shall possess a minimum of First degree or its
equivalent in any field or discipline.
B The Legal Advisers for the Union, both at the
Central Executive Committee and Branch levels,
shall possess a degree in Law and be called to
the Nigeria Bar.
C. Except the officers already specified, all other
officers of the Union, both at the Central
Executive and Branch levels, shall possess a
minimum of WASC/SSCE or its equivalent.
47
 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

D. All officers of the Union, both at the Central

inaugurated within 30 days by either a Judge
Executive Committee and Branch levels, shall be
of the High Court, a Magistrate or a Legal
persons of proven ability and integrity, whose
Practitioner of not less than 10 years post call
practical patriotism, tolerance, accessibility and
experience.
service are not in doubt.
(b) All elected officers of the Branch shall be sworn-in
and the Branch Executive Committee (B. E. C.)
27. BYE ELECTION
inaugurated by a Legal Practitioner of not less
A. Any vacancy occurring in the office(s) of the
than 5 years post call experience.
C.E.C. whether appointed or elected in-between
Committees and other relevant Organs of the
two Annual Conferences may be filled by a Special
Union, both at the C.E.C. and BEC levels, shall be
General Meeting of the Union.
formally inaugurated by the President-General
B. Where a vacancy occurs in C.E.C., a member of
and Branch President, respectively.
the C.E.C. shall be appointed to act in that office
for a period not more than 90 days.
29. RESIGNATION FROM OFFICE
C. The Central Executive Committee shall constitute
A. A member of the Central Executive Committee
an Ad-Hoc Committee to conduct a Bye-election
(C.E.C.) or Branch Executive Committee may at
into the said vacant office(s) of the Union within
any time resign his position and withdraw there
the 90 days acting period.
from upon a written notification given to the
President-General through the Secretary-General
28. SWEARING-IN/INAUGURATION OF OFFICERS
of the Union, and in the case of the Branch/Clan,
OF THE UNION
to the President via the Secretary. However, such
(a) At the conclusion of elections and declaration of
resignation shall only take effect upon its
results, the elected and appointed officers shall
acceptance by the C.E.C. or Branch Executive
be sworn-in and the Central Executive Committee
Committee (B. E. C.), respectively.

48 49
 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
B. Where a member exercises his right in accordance
with the provision in (A) above, he need not give
reason(s) for decision.
C. Where all the members of the C.E.C. resign en-
bloc, the Board of Trustees of the Union shall
appoint a 5-Man Caretaker Committee drawn
from not fewer than 3 Branches to oversee the
affairs of the Union for a period not exceeding 90
days.
D. The Caretaker Committee shall within 90 days as
stipulated in Section 29 (C) above conduct a bye-
election to elect substantive officers of the C.E.C.
to manage the affairs of the Union to the end of
that term.
E. Where all members of the Branch Executive
Committee resign en-bloc, the C.E.C. shall
appoint a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs
of the affected Branch for a period not exceeding
90 days within which a new Executive Committee
shall be elected.
50
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
30. SUSPENSION AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
A. Where any officer/or member of the Union either
at the C.E.C. or Branch is guilty of abuse of office,
fraud, gross misconduct, insubordination or any
other serious offence he may be suspended or
removed from office or member from the Union.
B. If the said officer is a member of the C.E.C., his
suspension and/or removal from office shall take
effect upon an approval by 2/3 majority of the
Statutory members of the C.E.C present and
voting, and subject to ratification by the A.G.M.
C. If he is an officer of a Branch, his suspension and/
or removal from office, shall take effect upon
approval by 2/3 majority votes of the members of
the Branch voting in a monthly General Meeting,
and subject to ratification by the C.E.C.
31. DISCIPLINARY AND APPEAL COMMITTEES
A. The C.E.C. shall set up a Disciplinary and Appeal
Committees to handle matters of discipline and
appeal referred to it respectively, and the said
Committees shall submit their findings and
recommendations to the C.E.C. for ratification.
51
 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
B. A Branch may set up its Disciplinary Committee to
handle matters of discipline in its Branch.
Provided that any member of the Branch who is
dissatisfied with any disciplinary action(s)
taken against him by his Branch's Disciplinary
Committee may appeal to the C.E.C for the final
determination of his appeal.
C. Any member of the C.E.C who is dissatisfied with
any disciplinary action taken against him may
appeal to the AGM/Conference for final
determination of his appeal.
32. POWER OF THE AGM/CONFERENC TO RATIFY
DISQUALlFICATION, SUSPENSION, TERMINATION
OR REMOVAL
A. The AGM/ Conference shall at all times have the
power to confirm, ratify or vary the decision to
disqualify, suspend, terminate or remove any
person or officer who has been disciplined by
C.E.C. for acts that are at variance with the aims
and objectives of the Union or inimical to the
interest of the Union.
B The A.G.M/Conference shall be the highest and
final appellate body of the Union.
52
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE X:
THE COUNCIL OF ELDERS
33A. APPOINTMENT AND QUALIFICATION
Membership of the Council of Elders shall be by
appointment and by virtue of office(s) held
presently or previously in the Union.
B. MEMBERSHIP AND COMPOSITION
The Council shall comprise of the following
members:
(i) Past Presidents-General of the Union
(ii) Paramount Rulers and Clan Heads in the
Local Government Areas of Oro nation.
(iii) Incumbent President-General, V i c e
Presidents- General I and II and Secretary-
General.
(iv) Two eminent citizens each from the Local
Government Areas of Oro Nation.
53
 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

C. FUNCTIONS OF COUNCIL OF ELDERS

ARTICLE XI:
The Functions shall include:
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNION
(i) To offer advice and avail the Union of their
past experiences on Oro affairs.
34A. Composition and Appointment of
(ii) To offer advice to the Union on social,
the Board OF Trustees(BOT)
cultural and traditional matters.
(i) There shall be five (5) Trustees who shall
(iii) To advise the Union on all other issues of
constitute the Board of Trustees of the
general interest to Oro nation.
Union.They shall be registered with the
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in
D. OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL OF ELDERS:
accordance with the relevant laws.
The Council shall have a Chairman and other
(ii) The Trustees shall be appointed by the
officers who shall be appointed by the C. E. C.
AGM/Conference on the recommendation
of the CEC, and shall hold the office at the
pleasure of the AGM/Conference.
(iii) The Board of Trustees shall have a
Chairman and a Secretary who shall be
appointed by the C. E. C.

B. Functions of the Board of Trustees

The Board shall
(i) Hold in trust all the moveable and
immoveable property of the Union, and in
them shall such property be vested.

54 55
 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

(ii) Exercise the borrowing powers of the (ii) Where a Trustee is removed on any of
Union for and on behalf of the Union and the afore-stated grounds, he shall be
in collaboration with the C.E.C. especially substituted, and another Trustee
in cases of emergency.
appointed by the A.G.M/Conference to
(iii) Sign all documents relating to the
replace him. The name of the new
property of the Union.
(iv) Sue and defend suits for and on behalf of T r u s t e e s h a l l b e
the Union. registered in accordance with the law.
(V) Direct the Secretary-General of the Union
to prepare and give each of the Trustees a
copy of an inventory of all the property of
the Union.
(vi) Take custody of the corporate seal of the
Union.
(vii) Perform any other statutory function as
provided for in the relevant laws.

D. Removal of Trustees
(i) A Trustee may be removed from office
by the A.G.M/Conference on the ground
of death, infirmity, insanity, bankruptcy,
residing or domiciling outside Nigeria,
inappropriate behavior or disrespect to
the Union and commission of an act of
gross misconduct.

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CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE XII B. Banking of funds by Central Executive

FINANCE
35. A. Sources of funds:
(i) Charter Fee by Branches
(ii) Membership Registration fees, sale of
membership cards and dues payable to
the Branches.
(iii) Subscription and levies
(iv) Sale of Constitution, books, property,
pamphlets, magazines and any other
publication including Union's
publications.
(v) Donations and public collections
(vi) Proceeds of entertainment,
anniversaries, exhibitions, and traditional
and other displays.
(vii) Hiring of Union Halls and property
(viii) Interest from savings, investments or
deposits.
(ix) Other sources of receipts as the Union may
from time to time determine.
Committee (C.E.C.)
(i) The C.E.C shall open and operate account(s)
with any commercial bank(s) recommended
by the C.E.C., acting on behalf of the
AGM/Conference.
(ii) The Treasurer shall within 24 hours pay all
the funds of the Union into the bank
account(s) of the Union, except imprest
amount.
(iii) Withdrawal of funds from the Union's
Account(s) shall be by the signatories
subject to the approval of the C.E.C.
(iv) Not withstanding the foregoing provision(s),
the President-General shall have power to
approve certain limit of expenditure, as may
be determined by the Central Executive
Committee, for the smooth running of the
Union.
(v) The President-General, the Secretary-
General, and the Treasurer shall be the
Signatories to the Union's account(s) and for
purposes of withdrawal, the President-
General with either the Secretary-General
or Treasurer shall both sign for withdrawal of
money from the account(s)

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CONSTITUTION
C. Banking of Funds by the Branch
(i) Each Branch shall open and operate
account(s) with any commercial bank(s)
recommended by the Branch Executive
Committee (B. E. C.) and approved by the
Branch General Meeting (BGM).
(ii) The Branch Treasurer shall within 24 hour
pay all the funds of the Branch into the
Bank account(s), save for imprest amount.
(iii) Withdrawal of funds from the Union's
Account(s) of the Branch shall be by the
signatories subject to the approval of the
Branch General Meeting.
(iv) Not withstanding the foregoing
provision(s),the Branch President shall
have power to approve certain limit of
expenditure, as may be determined by
the Branch General Meeting, for the
smooth running of the Branch.
60
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
(v) The President, Secretary and the
Treasurer shall be the Signatories to the
Branch account(s) and for purposes of
withdrawal, the President with either
the Secretary or
Treasurer shall both sign for withdrawal
of money from the account(s).
D. Financial Year/Budget
(i) The financial year of the Union shall begin
on the 1st January each year and end on
the 31st December of the same year.
(ii) The Treasurer and Financial Secretary
shall liaise with the Secretary General of
the Union to prepare Annual Budget and
Statement of Account(s) for the Union;
subject to ratification by C.E.C. and
approval of the A.G.M./Conference.
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 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE XIII:
ARTICLE XIV:
STANDING ORDERS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISM OF THE UNION

36A. Decisions by the Union, its Branches,

A. No member or organ of the Union shall institute
Committee(s)and sub-committee(s) shall
legal action against any other member(s), branch(es),
be taken by:
organ(s) or Trustees of the Union on matter(s) concerning
(i) Valid motion and ratification by the
the affairs of the Union without first exhausting the
meeting or by Presidential Proclamation.
conflict resolution mechanism of the Union.
(ii) A simple majority of members present and
voting, except where the Constitution
B. No Organ or member of the Union shall take any
provides for a special majority.
conflict, complaint or dispute for resolution outside the
organs of the Union. In the events of peaceful resolution,
36B. This Constitution guarantees the formulation and
The proclamation by the board of trustee shall be final
operation of standing orders and rules, and they
and the matter expressly close.
shall have binding force on the Union and its
organs.
C. No member or Organ of the Union shall institute
legal action against any member(s), Branch(es),
Organ(s), or trustee of the Union on Matter(s) concerning
the affairs of the Union

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CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

C. Composition and Membership of the Committees

ARTICLE XV:
(i) Committees shall be appointed by the
COMMITTEES OF THE UNION
C.E.C Provided that the total membership
of a Committee shall be determined by the
37. The following Committees shall constitute the
C.E.C. having regards to Clans/Branches
Standing Committees of the Union.
representation.
(ii) In appointing a member into a Committee
A. Standing Committees
of the Union, due recognition and emphasis
(i) Oro Nation Oil and Gas Technical
shall be placed on experience or expertise
Committee (ONOGTC)
in relevant fields.
(ii) Oro Think -Tank Committee
(iii) The Chairman and Secretary of a
(iii) Education and Scholarship Committee
Committee of the Union shall be appointed
(iv) Economic Planning and Development
by the C.E.C.
Committee
(iv) The tenure of a Standing Committee shall
(v) Public Utilities / Monitoring Committee
not exceed two (2) years, that is, its tenure
(vi) Finance and Debt Management Committee
shall not outlive the tenure of the C. E. C.
(vi) Disciplinary Committee
That appointed it. This shall, however,
(vii) Appeal Committee
subject to renewal of the tenure of such
(viii) Property Management Committee
Standing Committee by a succeeding
C.E.C.
B. Ad-Hoc Committees
Shall be set up by the CEC from time to time to
D. Control of the Committees
deal with specific businesses of the Union.
Both the Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees shall be
subject to the control and direction of the C.E.C.

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 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE XVI:
EMPLOYEES OF THE UNION
38. A. The Union may employ paid staff as may be
necessary for the efficient organization or
running of the Union.
B. All paid officials, staff or employees of the
Union shall be subject to the direct control
of the C.E.C through the Secretary-
General.
C. All employees or paid officials of the Union
shall be bound by this Constitution and all
rules, regulations and agreements made
in pursuant to this Constitution as well as
the decisions of the C.E.C, Annual General
Meeting and Special General
Meeting.
D. The C.E.C. shall be responsible for the
definition of the duties and conditions of
service and staff regulations for
employees.
66
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE XVII:
POWERS OF THE UNION
39. Notwithstanding the provisions of this
Constitution, the Union shall have powers to:
A. Form or take shares in companies, hold or own
property, organize and run commercial,
industrial, agricultural or any business not
prohibited by law, provided that such projects
are viable.
B. Initiate the provisions of certain social amenities
such as Schools, Colleges, Hospitals, Maternities,
Dispensaries, Clinics, Electricity, Water Supply,
among others.
C. Undertake publication of books, pamphlets,
magazines and journals.
D. Do anything which is necessary or desirable in the
interest of Oro provided the exercise of such
power is within the ambit of the law.
E. The powers of the Union over its members and Oro
as prescribed in this Constitution are supreme but
subject to the laws of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
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 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE XVIII:
(ii) Any group or body wishing to establish
RELATIONSHIP WITH WINGS, BODIES,
any organization shall forward a written
ASSOCIATIONS OF THE UNION
application to the President-General
through the Branch/Clan President
40 A. FORMATION OF WINGS/BODIES
where it
In order to provide legal coverage and
intends to operate.
opportunity for our people to meet and
(iii) Prior to granting recognition or permission
discuss issues specific to and better
to operate, the applicant shall undertake
handled by them, the Union shall permit
to satisfy the following conditions:
the formation or continued existence of
(a) All members of such group shall
the following groups:
beduly registered as bona-fide
(i) Oron Union Women Wing
members of the Branch of the
(ii) Oron Union Youth Wing
Union in which they intend to
(iii) Oron Union Students Wing
operate.
(iv) Other Bodies, as the C.E.C.
(b) Such group shall conduct her affairs
may authorize.
in a manner which will not impinge
B. CONDITION FOR FORMATION
on or is detrimental to the general
OR RECOGNITION
effectiveness of the Union in that
(i) These bodies shall not exist or operate
Branch.
as parallel organizations to the Union
(c) The Executive Committee of such
as they are covered by the legal status
group 'shall liaise with the
conferred on the Union by the
Branch/Clan before embarking on
Corporate Affairs Commission.
any programme.

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 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
(d) The President of such group shall
be a co-opted member of the
Executive Committee of the
Branch/Clan where it operates.
(e) The meeting dates of such group
shall not coincide or dash with
Branch meeting dates.
(f) The names and designations of
Executive Committee members
shall immediately be forwarded
to the Branch/Clan.
(g) The respective groups in all
Branches/Clans shall come
together at the National level and
elect National Executive
committee whose National
President shall be an ex-officio
member of the C.E.C.
(h) The Bye-laws of such body in a
Branch shall be sent to the C.E.C
for approval through the Branch
Exco.
70
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE XIX
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER INSTITUTION AND
ETHNIC NATIONALITIES/CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
41. CO-OPERATIONS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
The Union Shall:
A. Co-operate with progressive ethnic/ cultural
organizations and other relevant bodies to
further the aims and objectives of the Union.
B. Support, co-operate with, and make suggestions,
recommendations and representations to both
the State and Federal Governments in matters
affecting the welfare and destiny of Oro Nation.
C. In collaboration with both the State and Federal
Governments of Nigeria, execute programmes
a n d
projects of interests and benefits to Oro people
and Oro Nation.
D. Co-operate with the State and Federal
Governments in all their progressive schemes for
the good of the State and Nation respectively and
seek their support and co- operation in any
venture in Oro for which such support and co-
operation will be necessary and desirable.
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 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

42. Relationship with Local Government Councils. ARTICLE XVX:

A. The Union shall support, co-operate with, and
make suggestions, recommendations and
representations to all the Local Government
Councils in Oro Nation in order to further the
interest, progress and development of Oro
Nation.
B. In collaboration with the Local Governments
Council(s) in Oro Nation, execute programmes
and projects of interests and benefits to Oro
Nation.
C. Seek assistance from the Local Government
Councils in Oro Nation to enhance the
performance of her functions and activities in
matters affecting the welfare and destiny of Oro
Nation.
43. Relationship with Council of Oro
Traditional Rulers (COTR)
A. The Union shall support, co-operate with, make
suggestions, recommendations, representations
to the COTR in all matters affecting the destiny and
interest of Oro.
B. The Chairman of the COTR or his representative
shall be a member of the CEC.
INTERPRETATIONS/ AMENDMENTS
44. A. Interpretations:
(i) Whenever the need for interpretation of
any provision of this Constitution arises,
same shall be referred to the Legal
Advisers of the Union for their advice to
the Union.
(ii) Whenever the word "he", "his", "him",
appears in this Constitution it shall be
taken to refer to both sexes except it
refers expressly to the male sex.
(Iii) In this Constitution, "Branch" or "Branches"
includes the Clan(s) as a Branch or
Branches of the Union.
(iv) In this Constitution,
(a) "Statutory officers" shall mean all
elected and appointed officers of
the C.E.C. of the Union.
(b) "An Election Year" means every
year i.e. "odd number year" or the
2nd anniversary of a subsisting
Executive Committee in which
elections of C.E.C. members take
place.

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 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

SCHEDULE 1
(v) Oro Nation: Refers to all the Local
Government Areas of: ORO ANTHEM
(a) Mbo Local Government Area
“Abasi Abak ma enyin”
(b) Okobo Local Government Area
1. Abasi abak ma enyin
(c) Oron Local Government Area yak enyin ilaha ila
(d) Udung Uko Local Government Area Ison Oro omu onyi enyin
(e) Urueoffong/Oruko Local Ana enyin itam onyi ika
Government Area Oh! Oh!! Oh!!!

B. Amendment 2. Isong enyin onu isong uko

The AGM/Conference shall have power to alter, Enyin isuehesuhe ekpeng
vary, repeal, add to, or amend any part of or all Ku nyiyoho m'ima m'uto,
the provisions of this Constitution provided a Kidide ibei Oro k'onyong
substantive motion to that effect is passed by a Oh! Oh!! Oh!!!
2/3 majority of delegates present and voting at
the said AGM/Conference. 3. Udung oforo ke-ti udok,
Mu'nyi idehe enwi,
Mbokofony nwam idong ufok,
Ino eyo eyin kionyi
Oh! Oh!! Oh!!!

Composed by:
Mfon Afahaeme Eyo (1943),
As amended by the O.U. Conference 2006.

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CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

76 77
 ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE XVII:
RELATIONSHIP WITH WINGS, BODIES,
ASSOCIATIONS OF THE UNION
40 A. In order to provide legal coverage and
opportunity for our people to meet and
discuss issues specific to them and are
better handled by them, the Union shall
permit the formation or continued
existence of the following groups:
(i) Oron Union Women Wring
(ii) Oron Union Youths Wing
(iii) Oron Union Students Wing
(iv) Other Bodies, as the C.E.C. may
authorize.
B. Conditions for Formation
or Recognition
(i) These bodies shall not exist or operate as
parallel organizations to the Union as they are
covered by the legal status conferred on the Union
by the Corporate Affairs Commission.
78
ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION
(ii) Any group or body wishing to establish any
organization shall forward a written
request to the President-General through
the Branch/Clan President where it
intends to operate.
(iii) Prior to granting recognition or permission
to operate, the applicant shall undertake
to satisfy the following conditions:
(a) All members of such group shall be
duly registered as bona-fide
members of the Branch of the Union
in which they intend to operate.
(b) Such group shall conduct her affairs
in a manner which will not impinge
or is detrimental to the general
effectiveness of the Union in that
Branch.
(c) The Executive Committee of such
group shall liaise with the
Branch/Clan before embarking on
any programme.
(d) The President of such group shall be
a co-opted member of the Executive
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 ORON UNION ORON UNION
CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION

SCHEDULE 2: OATHS:
not allow my personal interest to influence my official
conduct or my official decisions; that I will do to the
OATHS OF ALLEGIANCE
best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the
Constitution of Oron Union; that in all circumstances, I
I, ………………........................……… do
will do right to all manners of people, according to law,
solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear
without fear or favour, affection or ill-will; that I will
true allegiance to Oron Union and that I will preserve,
not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any
protect and defend the Constitution of Oron Union. So
person any matter which shall be brought under my
help me God.
consideration or shall become known to me as a
……………………………………………. Of Oron Union, except as
OATH OF OFFICE
may be required for the due discharge of my duties as a
………………………………………. Of Oron Union; and that I will
I, …………...............................………….. do
devote myself to the service and well-being of the
solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear
people of Oro.
true allegiance to Oron Union; that as a
…………………………………… of Oron Union, I will discharge
So help me God.
my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully and in
accordance with the Constitution of Oron Union and the
Name:
law, and always in the interest, solidarity, well-being
Designation:
and prosperity of Oron Union; that I will strive to
Signature/Date:
preserve the principles aims and objectives, as
Name of Commissioner for Oath:
contained in the Constitution of Oron Union; that I will Signature of Commissioner for Oath:

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