Ogwashi-Uku Monarch Denounces Land Grabbing Accusations, Citing Court Judgment and Due Process
Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State – Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom, has vehemently refuted allegations of land grabbing and abduction leveled against him by a group of youths from the neighboring Ubulu-Okiti community. The accusations, made during a protest at Government House, Asaba, have been dismissed by the Obi-in-Council as a calculated attempt to tarnish the monarch’s reputation. In a strongly worded statement, the Palace Secretary, Mr. Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, characterized the claims as "false, malicious, and wrong," emphasizing the Obi’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
The protest, led by Ubulu-Okiti youth president Mr. Ifechukwude Nwabuebo, centered on disputed land and the alleged arrest of community members. However, the Obi-in-Council maintains that the activities on the land in question were carried out in strict accordance with a valid court judgment (Suit No. 0/23/2021) issued by Justice K.O. Okpu. This judgment, they assert, granted a warrant of possession and certificate of possession, authorizing the presence of police officers and individuals working on the land. The council further points to the existence of customary and statutory certificates of occupancy from both the former Bendel State Government and the current Delta State Government as irrefutable proof of Ogwashi-Uku’s ownership of the land.
The Obi-in-Council has expressed concern over the use of "propaganda and staged protests" to undermine legal processes and police investigations. They urge all parties to respect the rule of law and refrain from taking matters into their own hands. The council has affirmed its full cooperation with the Commission of Inquiry established by the Delta State Government to investigate land disputes between Ogwashi-Uku and neighboring communities, expressing confidence in the commission’s ability to uncover the truth. The commission has concluded its sittings and its report is awaited.
The council detailed an incident on December 16, 2024, where individuals carrying out court-authorized work on the disputed land, accompanied by police officers providing security, were attacked by a group described as "miscreants." This attack, the council alleges, resulted in the destruction of equipment worth millions of Naira and endangered the lives of lawful personnel. They condemn this act as a flagrant violation of the rule of law and emphasize that grievances should be addressed through legal channels rather than resorting to self-help.
The Obi-in-Council has reiterated Obi Okonjo II’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice and due process in all land matters. They insist that the monarch does not engage in land grabbing or any illegal activities and has promptly reported the December 16 incident to the appropriate authorities, including the police officers present at the scene who witnessed the attack.
The Palace Secretary expressed regret that the perpetrators of the alleged attack, rather than acknowledging their wrongdoing, have chosen to stage a protest and seek public sympathy. He pointed to social media posts where the perpetrators reportedly boasted about their actions, further highlighting the need for accountability. The council has appealed to stakeholders and the public to refrain from drawing conclusions based solely on the protesters’ claims without hearing the Obi’s side of the story. Meanwhile, the Delta State Government, through Secretary to the State Government Dr. Kingsley Emu, has acknowledged the protest and assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated upon receipt of the Commission of Inquiry’s report, emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security within the state.