The people of Otulu-Ugo community in Aniocha South local government area of Delta state have called on Delta state government to intervene in the crisis between the community and Ogwashi Uku, the headquarters of the Aniocha South local government area.
In a protest to the state government house on Tuesday, members of the community including men, women and youths told journalists that the people of Ogwashi Uku have, for a long time, oppressed, intimidated, harassed them, in attempt to make them remain perpetually subject to the people of Ogwashi Uku.
The protesters, with placards bearing different inscriptions, gave various inhuman treatments meted on them by the people of Ogwashi Uku, all in a bid to make them remain their subjects for life.
The placards read thus: “Let our people be, Otulu community has been existing for the past 140 years, Enough of the intimidation by Ogwashi Uku, Leave our Obi alone, Stop harassing Otulu indigenes, Otulu is an autonomous community, We need peace, Stop infringement on our community, Stop killing Otulu indigenes, We have chosen leaders for ourselves,” and a host of others.
One of the youths, Okwora Emeka Daniel, told Emerald News that the crisis of ownership of the community has been for many years, saying “Ogwashi Uku people have not allowed us to live. They are always disturbing us. They are killing and arresting our people.”
Okwora told our reporter in front of Delta government house that “Some of our people slept in the bush on Monday night. Our children are crying on daily basis. They are attacking us. Most people do not have freedom to move. The attack has been for years. They want us to be under them but we want to be autonomous community.”
In a letter addressed to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa but received on his behalf by his chief of staff at the government house gate, Ovie Festus Agas, the community leaders said the people of Ogwashi Uku have been harassing, intimidating and infringing on their fundamental rights using police, DSS and soldiers allegedly sponsored by HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo, the Obi of Ogwashi Uku community.
“As we speak, more than two of our brothers are in remand at Ogwashi Uku prison over spurious and doctored charges against them and have also threatened to come after more residents.
“It must be noted that there is a pending litigation over the ownership and leadership of Otulu Ugo before a competent court. The Obi of Ogwashi Uku has vowed to oppress and frustrate our people by using the police, a development which if left unchecked could result to breakdown of law and order.”
In the letter which was signed by Chief Christopher Isekekpei, the Iyase of Otulu-Ugo and addressed to the governor, the community leaders alleged that during one of the invasions of the community, one of their sons was gruesomely murdered, just as they implored the governor to prosecute the perpetrators of the alleged killing.
In the letter, the community leaders made six-point demands to the state governor thus: to recognize Otulu Ogu as an independent community, to recognize the leadership of Otulu-Ugo as chosen by members of the community, total independence of Otulu Ugo from external aggressors, to release their brothers remanded in custody, to stop the incessant harassment, oppression and torture of their people and to order Obi Okonjo to stay off the affairs of Otulu-Ugo community.
Chief of staff to the governor, Ovie Festus Agas, who addressed the protesters at the government house gate and received the letter, commended them for their orderly manner.
Agas told them that Okowa was in Abuja where he had been after being unveiled as vice presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by Atiku Abubakar and chairman of the party, Ayu Iyorchia.
He promised to convey their letter and grievances to the governor whom he assured would look into the crisis with a view to finding a lasting solution.
In a swift response, secretary to the Obi in council of Ogwashi Uku kingdom, Chief Zeliwe Ojeogwu, described the allegations against Ogwashi Uku as fake, contrived, false, slanderous and baseless.
According to him: “We are aware that the vast majority of the people who were brought to the protest were forced into the buses by Francis Odiakose and his gang members at gun point or asked to pay N10,000 if they refused to go for the protest.
“The Delta state government has made it clear in writing in April 2022 that Otulu is part of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom and is under our Obi of Ogwashi-Uku HRM Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II.
“As far as we are concerned, this issue has been settled. The gang members from the Eastern Security Network and IPOB who Francis Odiakose (aka) Francis Oduwanor and Christopher Oduwanor are using to terrorise the entire area should be brought to book by the Delta state police command.
“While the constitution permits freedom of speech and protests, this has to be measured against giving criminals permits to protest and an unnecessary platform. The police should intensify their effort to apprehend all those who have committed crimes so that they have their day in court and face justice.
“The Delta state police command should not permit Otulu to remain a hiding place for criminals who use it as a staging ground for their activities throughout Delta North.
“Members of the Ogwashi-Uku community are urged to continue to be law abiding. We especially urge our youths who are particularly agitated with the actions and provocations by these people in Otulu not to take the law into their hands. To deal with injustice is sometimes a long process but we want each and everyone not to short circuit the process.
“Ogwashi-Uku was the headquarters of the old Asaba division and is an important part of the state. We commend efforts by the state government who has made it clear that they will not condone any criminality or breach of peace. The ball is squarely in the hands of the police and we hope they will rise to the challenge before Otulu becomes another Boko Haram domain.”
“Lastly, we wish to make it clear that protesting does not erase the numerous criminal charges against several members of the gang are facing. They will still be held accountable for their crimes however long it may take.”
