Delta has not banned any land sales in Ogwashi-Uku — Monarch

The people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom have indicated that the Delta State Government, which abides by the law, will not interfere in internal matters surrounding traditional land within Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of the monarch, the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, in a statement on Saturday said he was reacting to a state statement on the ban on the sale of land in Ogwashi-Uku published by Punch Newspaper and other media.

It read in part: “We are writing to respond to a story titled ‘Delta bans sale of land in Ogwashi-Uku’ which grossly distorts the outcome of the meeting with the deputy governor.

“This meeting dealt with boundary disputes between Ogwashi-Uku and neighbouring communities such as Ibusa, Ewulu, Ubulu Okiti, Okpanam and others.

In addition, a number of disgruntled leaders were present at the meeting. Some of them are accused of murder and arms trafficking and have been suspended by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the disciplinary measures taken against them.

“They were instructed to submit their grievances in writing within seven days and the meeting was adjourned to allow the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, who was not present, to attend a future discussion on these issues.

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“The Deputy Governor at the end of the meeting urged all communities to desist from land sales in the disputed border areas to avoid further escalating tension. This position and decision of the Deputy Governor is welcomed and applauded by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku who has for years complained of encroachments on the land of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom by neighbouring communities.

“His Royal Majesty Obi Dr. Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, as the Custodian, Trustee and Overlord of all lands in the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, has for the past three years charged his subjects to refrain from controversial land sales that could harm the community.

“The Delta State Government, being law abiding, will not interfere in the internal customary law matters within the 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 lands, so sale cannot be prohibited.

Furthermore, in case No. A/117/2023, on 20th February 2024, Justice Okpu granted an order of perpetual interdict against the Defendants (the Attorney General of Delta State, the Deputy Governor of Delta State and Kessington O. Mordi-Ogoriseme) restraining them from interfering with the rights of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku in the administration of the lands of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and appointed Chiefs to administer such lands on his behalf for the people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. This order of perpetual interdict shall remain in force.”

The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku will ensure that the directive of His Excellency the Deputy Governor is strictly complied with and has already called on chiefs in our border areas to inform them of the decision. The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku also welcomes the intervention of the state government to correct wrong impressions on security issues and the readiness of the state government to assist in resolving chieftaincy disputes.

The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has called on members of the community to ignore the false and fake news emanating from these media.