The traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo, has urged local communities to uphold court rulings regarding land disputes.
This declaration was made on Saturday, following a release from the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, distributed to the media in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
The call to respect legal decisions comes on the heels of a protest staged by youths from the Ubulu-Okiti community in Aniocha South Local Government Area, who accused the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom of illicit land acquisition.
According to Ifechukwude Nwabuebo, the Youth President of Ubulu-Okiti, the kingdom unlawfully seized land belonging to their community.
In response, Okonjo clarified that the land in question is backed by a customary certificate of occupancy from the Bendel State Government, as well as a certificate of occupancy from the Delta State Government, thus eliminating any basis for ownership disputes.
He stated, “We address the recent protest at the Delta State Government House, where youths from Ubulu-Okiti and Ubulu-Uku accused the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku of land-grabbing. These claims are erroneous, malicious, and an attempt to damage the reputation of a law-abiding Obi.”
Okonjo further detailed that on December 16, 2024, police officers were facilitating the implementation of a court ruling from Suit No. 0/23/2021 overseen by Honourable Justice K.O. Okpu. The court had issued both a Warrant of Possession and a Certificate of Possession to secure the area amid security concerns.
He emphasized, “The land has recognized ownership supported by official certificates, leaving no room for valid ownership claims. The recent actions by protesters resulted in significant damage to equipment and posed risks to law enforcement personnel. If there were any grievances concerning the court ruling, the proper legal recourse should have been pursued instead of resorting to unlawful actions.”
The monarch expressed his disappointment over the violent protest, asserting that those involved had attempted to garner sympathy after committing offenses against established legal authority.
“I have fully cooperated with the Commission of Inquiry regarding these claims and await its findings. This will affirm that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku is committed to the rule of law. It is imperative that court judgements are respected and that individuals refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” the monarch affirmed.
