The long-standing and bitter boundary disputes in the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, have taken a dramatic turn as the traditional ruler, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo, assumed direct control of affected communities, following an urgent intervention by the state government. On Friday, October 4, 2024 monarch publicly commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his bold decision to establish a Judicial Commission aimed at resolving the complex and often violent land disputes that have plagued the region for years.
The Delta State Government had, on Thursday, announced the formation of the Judicial Commission to investigate the raging land disputes and security crises threatening the peace within Ogwashi-Uku and its satellite communities. The commission is expected to deliver its findings within sixty days, a timeline that has added a sense of urgency to the matter. Until then, the Obi has been given sweeping powers to oversee the disputed territories, a move that has sparked both hope and controversy.
In a statement laden with optimism, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo praised the governor's initiative, calling it a “significant step towards finding a lasting solution” to the decades-old boundary clashes. “I believe in the rule of law and am committed to ensuring that the Ogwashi-Uku community assists with the commission’s work,” the monarch stated, reaffirming his commitment to maintaining peace in the troubled regions. With the backing of law enforcement agencies, the monarch’s new role is expected to bring temporary stability to the volatile areas, but not without stirring tensions.
As part of the government's interim measures, all sales of land in the disputed areas have been suspended indefinitely. This directive, initially announced in July by Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, comes amid escalating disputes over the kingship, chieftaincy, and land rights in the region. The government's involvement is seen as crucial in preventing the disputes from spiraling into full-blown conflict.
However, not everyone is on board with the monarch’s newfound authority. In September, a group led by Mr. Chukwuma Nwaka accused the Obi of attempting to seize ancestral lands belonging to the Otulu community. Nwaka’s group, in a fiery public briefing, called on Governor Oborevwori and state security agencies to intervene, alleging that the monarch was orchestrating a campaign to dispossess Otulu of their land. The accusation has added fuel to an already smoldering situation, threatening to derail the peace process.
Despite these allegations, Obi Okonjo remains resolute, stating that the Judicial Commission’s work will “undoubtedly bring clarity and fairness” to the land ownership issues. He stressed that the decision to take control of the satellite communities was in line with the state government’s mandate, which aims to foster peaceful coexistence between Ogwashi-Uku and its neighboring communities.
