The Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom has firmly denied claims that the Supreme Court has delivered a judgment resolving its long-standing boundary dispute with the Ibusa community, describing such assertions as “false, misleading, and legally irresponsible.”
In a detailed press statement issued by Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, Palace Secretary to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, the Kingdom said no Supreme Court ruling exists on the present boundary dispute, contrary to claims made in a recent press release and protest allegedly staged by members of the Ibusa community.
According to the statement, the boundary matter is currently pending before the High Court of Delta State, Asaba Judicial Division, in Suit No: AKU/11/2024, presided over by Hon. Justice Obi in Court 4.
The Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom emphasized that both parties are actively litigating the case and awaiting judicial determination.
“There is absolutely no Supreme Court judgment determining the present boundary dispute,” the statement read.
“If such a judgment truly existed and conclusively settled the boundary, there would be no need for the current suit pending before the High Court.”
The Kingdom further expressed concern that Barrister Lotobi, identified as counsel representing Ibusa in the High Court matter, allegedly made public statements suggesting the existence of a Supreme Court judgment.
Describing the matter as sub judice, Ogwashi-Uku cautioned against what it termed public misrepresentation of issues already before a competent court of law.
“The proper place for determination of boundary disputes is the courtroom — not the streets,” the statement said, warning that attempts to apply public pressure through protests and media campaigns undermine the judicial process and the rule of law.
The Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to allowing the courts to decide the dispute.
Ogwashi-Uku maintained that historically and administratively, River Oboshi remains the recognized boundary between the two communities.
The river is also acknowledged as the demarcation between Aniocha South Local Government Area and Oshimili North Local Government Area in Delta State.
“No amount of protest can alter geography,” the statement asserted.
Allegations of Forged Documents
The Kingdom also alleged that questionable documents and fabricated survey plans have surfaced in an attempt to claim lands “never litigated and never awarded to Ibusa.”
“These actions are clearly designed to manufacture artificial disputes and escalate tensions,” the statement said, adding that Ogwashi-Uku would not be intimidated by what it described as forged instruments or media theatrics.
In a more serious allegation, Ogwashi-Uku claimed that members of its community have been killed and that there have been instances of encroachment into its lands.
Despite these incidents, the Kingdom said it has exercised restraint and pursued legal remedies rather than violence.
“We have consistently chosen the path of law and order,” the statement noted.
Admiralty University Case Pending
The Kingdom further disclosed that the question surrounding the location of Admiralty University of Nigeria is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja and is expected to commence soon.
It described as premature any public declaration about the university’s location while the matter awaits judicial determination. “The court will decide,” the statement said.
Ogwashi-Uku commended the Delta State Government for calling for calm and urged authorities to resist what it described as inaccurate claims about a non-existent Supreme Court judgment.
The Kingdom called on the government to maintain law and order along the River Oboshi boundary and allow the courts to determine the issues before them.
Ogwashi-Uku reiterated that the attempt to portray the dispute as conclusively settled by the Supreme Court is false.
“The matter is before the High Court in Suit No. AKU/11/2024,” the statement declared. “We will not litigate in the media. We will litigate in court. And we are confident that truth, evidence, and the law will prevail.”
