Business committee intends to censure Comanche tribal chairman for Westwin support

In lieu of a suspension meeting that was slated for Saturday, the Comanche Business Committee announced plans to censure Tribal Chairman Mark Woomavovah.

The special general council meeting had been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Earlier this week, Woomavovah issued a statement that the meeting was canceled due to being “unconstitutional.”

The meeting was called following a contentious Feb. 3 Comanche Business Committee meeting in which tribal members voiced dissension regarding the chairman’s  support of the Westwin Elements, Inc. cobalt/nickel refinery. He voiced support for the project in the name of the tribe.

On Feb. 1, Woomavovah posted a video to the tribe’s Facebook page offering apologies for not first coming to the general council before speaking for the Comanche Nation.

In a statement released late Friday afternoon, the CBC convened to consider and resolve the issue and eliminate the need for a special general council meeting.

“The CBC plans to publicly censure Chairman Mark Woomavovah for making public comments supporting the establishment of Westwin Elements, Inc. Cobalt Refinery Project near Cache, OK, in 2023 before the CBC formulated the Nation’s public policy.”

The CBC unanimously passed a resolution at the Feb. 3 meeting opposing the project for multiple reasons, including health concerns and the plant’s proximity to historic Deyo Mission Cemetery. At least 14 tribal members also live on Red Elk Road, which is close to the refinery site.

A majority of the CBC agreed to resolve pending issues through a public censure, as well as the removal of Woomavovah’s signature authority and administrative duties and will formalize the actions during the regular monthly meeting slated for 11 a.m. March 2.

Woomavovah has served as tribal chairman since June 2021. 

The Lawton Constitution has reached out to Woomavovah for a response and is awaiting a response. 

Members of the Comanche Nation have announced a press conference and demonstration scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in front of Lawton City Hall, 212 SW 9th, to protest the cobalt/nickel refinery. They will then attend the scheduled City Council meeting at 2 p.m.