The Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has dismissed claims of a territorial victory by some individuals from Ibusa following a ruling by the Delta State High Court, Asaba, insisting that the decision did not constitute a substantive judgment determining the boundary between the two communities.
The Palace, in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, said the ruling in Suit No. AKU/11/2024 arose from a preliminary objection and should not be interpreted as a fresh determination of the disputed boundary.
The suit involves His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, and others.
According to the Palace, reports suggesting that the court had determined the boundary between Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa in favour of the latter at Ubu Stream misrepresented the nature and effect of the proceedings.
It maintained that a ruling on a preliminary objection was distinct from a substantive judgment on disputed boundary rights.
The Palace also expressed confidence that the ruling would be challenged at the Court of Appeal, adding that the judicial process was far from concluded.
It further disclosed that issues concerning the execution and enforceability of a historical judgment, which the Ibusa parties were relying upon, were already before the appellate court.
The Palace described the attempt to enforce the judgment, which dates back more than four decades, as legally questionable, arguing that its age, the scope of the original proceedings and applicable legal requirements raised issues requiring judicial determination.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the mere existence of a historical judgment does not automatically entitle anyone to execute it more than forty years later, disregard applicable legal procedures, or extend its geographical scope beyond the lands and parties actually covered by its terms,” the Palace said.
Reaffirming Ogwashi-Uku’s position on the boundary dispute, the Palace insisted that the Oboshi River remained the recognised boundary asserted by the kingdom between it and Ibusa.
It rejected what it described as attempts to use the court’s ruling as a blanket declaration transferring Ogwashi-Uku communal lands to Ibusa.
The Palace argued that the specific lands and villages covered by the historical litigation should be distinguished from the wider territorial claims allegedly being advanced by some Ibusa interests.
It added that neither media publications nor public celebrations could expand the geographical scope of a court judgment or confer rights over lands not covered by the original proceedings.
The statement further maintained that the ruling did not establish a new boundary, transfer communal property or authorise any party to enter or take possession of disputed lands.
Describing the celebration of the ruling as premature, the Palace said its legal team would take the necessary steps to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal while awaiting the determination of the existing appellate proceedings concerning the historical judgment.
It also cautioned residents of both communities against interpreting the ruling as permission to trespass on disputed lands, intimidate farmers, engage in unlawful land transactions or attempt to alter boundaries through force.
Meanwhile, Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom called on security agencies to remain vigilant and prevent anyone from exploiting differing interpretations of the court proceedings to create tension between the neighbouring communities.
It said Ogwashi-Uku remained committed to defending its ancestral lands through lawful means, while urging its people at home and in the diaspora to remain calm, united and confident in the kingdom’s leadership.
The Palace also appealed to Ibusa residents to pursue peaceful coexistence, stressing that lasting peace between the communities would be better served by respect for the law, accurate reporting of judicial decisions and restraint in public statements.
“The judicial process is continuing. Those celebrating prematurely would do well to exercise patience and allow the appellate courts to determine the outstanding legal questions,” the statement said.
The Palace reiterated that the kingdom would continue to pursue available legal remedies to protect its communal lands and the interests of its people.
