Renowned accountant, Chief David Dafinone has reviewed the history of Sapele, saying the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association owes no duty to any person or group of persons who dispute Okpe claims to the ownership of lands in Sapele.

In an address delivered at a meeting of Okpe leaders in Sapele, the Second Republic Senator described the Itsekiri people as tenants in Okpe land.

He explained that a deed of lease made the 3rd day of December, 1908 between Chief Dore Numa of Benin River, Trader, acting for and on behalf of the Chiefs and people of Sapele (hereinafter called the Lessor) of the one part and James Jamieson Thorburn, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order Of Saint Michael and Saint George, Acting Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony of Southern Nigeria (hereinafter called the Governor) of the other part declared Okpe people the owners of that land now commonly known as the Sapele Township.