A commission of inquiry set up by the Delta State government has concluded its sittings after hearing 32 petitions related to long-standing land and boundary disputes between Ogwashi-Uku and its neighboring communities. The chairman of the commission, Justice Ejiro Emudianowho, announced the completion of hearings on Friday after a review of all petitions presented.
The disputes centered around allegations of illegal land sales and encroachment. According to Ernest Adingupu, representative of the Azagba-Ogwashi-Uku community, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II illegally bulldozed structures near Delta State Polytechnic.
However, during cross-examination, Adingupu admitted that the land in question was part of the 500 hectares legally awarded to the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom by court judgments. “The land was legally awarded to us, and we have the court judgments to prove it,” said Chike Onyemenam (SAN), counsel to the monarch.
Onyemenam presented evidence, including court judgments, a warrant of possession, and a certificate of possession, to prove the land’s rightful ownership. He also disclosed that the immediate past Obi of Ogwashi-Uku had designated the area for a planned mega city.
However, members of Azagba Ogwashi-Uku allegedly sold portions of the land to traders. “Over 120 fraudulent deeds of conveyance and applications for ratification by buyers were submitted to the commission as evidence,” Onyemenam said.
The commission’s findings revealed a lack of evidence to support claims of land sales by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku. “Pastor Adingupu failed to produce any documentation to support his claims,” Onyemenam added.
In his final submission, Onyemenam emphasized that the allegations against the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku were baseless. “The proceedings consistently revealed that the claims against the Obi were part of a coordinated smear campaign,” he said.
The commission’s conclusion marks a significant step towards resolving the long-standing land disputes in the area. “As the commission concludes its work, it remains evident that the allegations were orchestrated attempts to discredit a monarch committed to justice and community development,” Onyemenam said.
The Delta State government’s efforts to address the land disputes demonstrate its commitment to resolving the issues and promoting peace in the region.
