In a bold and unwavering statement, His Royal Majesty Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, has declared that he owes no apologies for defending the communal land of Ogwashi-Uku.
His position stems from his deep commitment to the traditional oaths he took upon ascending the throne, including the sacred responsibility to protect the community from invaders and safeguard its communal heritage.
Since his installation as the Monarch, Obi Okonjo has made it clear that his primary duty as a traditional ruler is to uphold the trust vested in him by the people of Ogwashi-Uku. “There is no financial interest or personal gain in my stance to protect our communal land,” the Obi stated.
“This is an absolute imperative as a custodian of our heritage and traditions.” He emphasized his unwavering belief in traditional oaths and institutions, asserting that he will never betray the trust of his people in fulfilling his duties. The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku made this statement when he welcomed some foreign investors looking to set up a factory in the Kingdom.
A Stand Against Land Exploitation
The Obi’s firm stance has not come without significant challenges. He has faced immense pressure, both from within the community and external forces, to capitulate and permit the widespread sale of Ogwashi-Uku’s communal lands. Some members of the community, in collaboration with outsiders, have turned the sale of communal land into their primary source of income, often disregarding the long-term implications for the people. The Obi has been subjected to threats, blackmail, a smear campaign and serious security risks as a result of his refusal to yield.
Despite these pressures, the Monarch has remained steadfast.
“I welcome development,” he said, “but it must be planned and bring direct benefits to the community. Reckless exploitation of communal resources is not development—it is a betrayal of our ancestors and future generations.”
He went further to say “ I am sure most of you have read the recent statements from the new Asagba of Asaba and the Olu of Warri on land matters. These mirror statements I made and have tried to put in place in Ogwashi-Uku for several years. I am glad other traditional rulers are following our footsteps of protecting their communal heritage.”
Support from Traditional Chiefs
The Obi’s stand against the unauthorized sale of communal lands has drawn widespread support from the traditional chiefs of Ogwashi-Uku. Out of 34 chiefs in the Kingdom, only two—Hyacinth Okolie (the Ihonor) and Eziekiel Iloba (the Onihe)—wrote petitions against him during a recent commission of inquiry. This overwhelming support from the vast majority of the chiefs underscores their agreement with the Obi’s principles and his defense of the community’s heritage.
Not a single document was presented to support the spurious and misleading accusations of land sales.
This outcome further validates the Obi’s position and reveals the baseless nature of the attacks against him. The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku also noted that as a father to everyone, he did not write a single petition against any of his subjects at the Commission of Enquiry and even withdrew the clarifying submission he made so it was not misconstrued as being against anyone. As a father to all, he believes that he would need to reconcile his people when the dust settles hence his actions.
Commitment to Planned Development
The Obi has reiterated his openness to development initiatives that are aligned with the community’s interests. He has called for structured and well-planned projects that prioritize the welfare of Ogwashi-Uku’s people, rather than exploit its resources for the benefit of a few.
His stance is a testament to his vision for a prosperous Ogwashi-Uku where tradition and progress coexist. As he continues to face challenges in protecting the community’s heritage, the Obi remains resolute in his duties as the custodian of the land and its people.
A Monarch’s Legacy of Integrity
For Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo, defending the communal land of Ogwashi-Uku is not just a responsibility—it is a moral obligation and a sacred vow. His steadfastness in the face of adversity reaffirms his dedication to the people and his role as a protector of their shared heritage. The Obi’s leadership sets a powerful example of integrity and commitment to traditional values, ensuring that the legacy of Ogwashi-Uku endures for generations to come.
