The people of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom have said that Delta state government, being law-abiding, will not interfere with the internal customary land issues within Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of the monarch, the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, in a statement stated this on Saturday while reacting to a statement made by the state on banning sale of land in Ogwashi-Uku published by Punch Newspaper and other media outlets.
It’s read in part, “We are writing to address a story titled “Delta bans sales of land in Ogwashi-Uku,” which grossly misrepresents the outcome of the meeting held with the deputy governor.
“This meeting pertained to boundary disputes between Ogwashi-Uku and neighboring communities such as Ibusa, Ewulu, Ubulu Okiti, Okpanam and others.
In addition, a few disgruntled chiefs, some of whom face criminal charges including murder and gun running, and who were suspended by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, attended the meeting to voice their grievances about the disciplinary actions taken against them.
“They were instructed to submit their grievances in writing within seven days, and the meeting was suspended to allow the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, who was not present, to attend a future discussion on these matters.
“The deputy governor, at the end of the meeting, urged all communities to refrain from land sales in the disputed boundary areas to prevent any increase in tension. This position and decision by the deputy governor is welcome and applauded by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku who has complained over the years about encroachment into Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom land by neighbouring communities.
“His Royal Majesty Obi Dr. Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, as the Custodian, Trustee, and Overlord of all land in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, has previously directed his subjects for the past three years to refrain from controversial land sales that could harm the community.
“The Delta state government, being law-abiding, will not interfere with the internal customary land issues within Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom as this would be an infringement on the rights of the people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. The lands in question are not government acquired land so sales cannot be banned.
In addition, In Suit No A/117/2023, Honourable Justice Okpu granted an order of perpetual injunction on February 2024 against the defendants (The Attorney General of Delta State, Deputy Governor of Delta State, and Kessington O. Mordi-Ogoriseme), preventing them from interfering with the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku’s rights in managing Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom lands and appointing chiefs to manage these lands on his behalf for the people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. This order of perpetual injunction remains in effect”
The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku will ensure very strict compliance with the directive of His Excellency The Deputy governor and has already summoned chiefs in our boundary areas to intimate them about the decision. The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku also welcomes the intervention of the state government to correct misplaced impressions about security issues and the willingness of the state government to assist in settlement of Chieftaincy disputes.
The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has urged members of the community to disregard the false and fake news from these media outlets.
