Land Ownership Controversy: Obi Of Ogwashi-Uku Responds To False Allegations Of Land Grabbing
OGWASHI-UKU/Nigeria: The Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has issued a firm rebuttal to allegations of land grabbing following a protest by youths purportedly from Ubulu-Okiti and Ubulu-Uku at the Delta State Government House.
The protesters accused the Obi of orchestrating the abduction of their relatives to Zone 5 police headquarters in Benin and forcibly acquiring their land.
However, the Palace has categorically denied these claims, labeling them as false, malicious, and a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Obi.
Clarifying the Facts
According to a statement signed by Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, Palace Secretary, the events of December 16, 2024, revolved around the lawful enforcement of a court judgment. The land in question had been the subject of legal proceedings, culminating in a judgment in Suit No. O/23/2021 delivered by Honourable Justice K.O. Okpu. The judgment authorized the issuance of a Writ and Warrant of Possession, which was executed with police security due to previous security concerns in the area.
The statement emphasized that the land has a valid customary certificate of occupancy issued by the Bendel State Government and a certificate of occupancy from the Delta State Government.
These documents firmly establish the ownership and legal status of the land, rendering any contrary claims baseless.
Criminal Acts on Court-Sanctioned Land
While work was ongoing on the land under police protection, individuals identified as Mr. Ejiofor, Mr. Linus Osemene, Mr. Japhet Biose, and Mr. Ifeadi led an armed group in a violent attack. They allegedly abducted, assaulted, and robbed those working on the site, including law enforcement officers. The attackers also destroyed equipment valued at tens of millions of Naira. These actions, the Palace stated, constitute grave offenses against the rule of law.
The Palace criticized the attackers for resorting to self-help instead of addressing their grievances through legal channels. Such behaviour, it argued, undermines the integrity of lawful processes and sets a dangerous precedent.
Response to Misleading Protest
The Palace expressed disappointment over the narrative presented by the protesters, whom it accused of attempting to gain public sympathy while evading accountability for their criminal actions. It pointed out that the same individuals had previously celebrated their acts on social media, boasting about abducting lawful personnel and damaging property. The Palace urged the public to see these protests as a diversionary tactic designed to sabotage ongoing investigations and paint a false picture of the events.
The Obi’s Commitment to Rule of Law
The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, a staunch advocate for the rule of law, has consistently ensured that all actions taken regarding land matters are grounded in legality and fairness. Following the attack, the Obi promptly reported the matter to law enforcement, where officers present during the incident provided firsthand accounts of the assault.
The Palace also urged government officials and the public to refrain from making hasty judgments or endorsing one-sided narratives. It called for due process to prevail and for all parties to await the outcomes of investigations and the Commission of Inquiry’s findings.
Conclusion
The Palace condemned the use of propaganda and staged protests to derail legal processes, reiterating that court judgments must be respected, and no one is above the law. It called on the public to disregard misleading narratives and trust law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable.
As investigations continue, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku remains resolute in his commitment to justice and the rule of law, assuring the public that truth and accountability will prevail.
