The Delta State Government has banned with immediate effect, sales of land in Ogwashi- Uku and its neighbouring communities particularly in disputed boundary areas until further notice.
The State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme gave the directive at a meeting to resolve Ogwashi-Uku Kingship, Chieftaincy and land disputes with its neighbouring communities in Asaba.
Sir Onyeme said the meeting was a fallout from the State Security Council meeting which directed his office to address the issue which includes the deposition and replacement of gazetted Chiefs of Ogwashi-Uku by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom.
He cited the other issues as land ownership and administration of land titles in Ogwashi-Uku and surrounding communities, boundary disputes with other local government areas and the plethora of civil and criminal cases emanating from the resistance to the installation of new chiefs by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
The Deputy Governor noted that the government had received several petitions and complaints on the issues and was concerned hence the meeting to resolve the issue amicably.
Meanwhile, the state government has set up a committee headed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ekemejero Owhoviorole, SAN, with the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Chieftaincy; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Secretary of the State Boundary Committee; Permanent Secretary, Chieftaincy Affairs; Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor; and a representative from the Technical Committee of the State Boundary Committee as members to look into all the boundary issues of Ogwashi-Uku and it’s neighbouring communities with a view of proffering lasting solution.
He directed all parties concerned to submit all necessary documents to the committee within the next seven days and cooperate with the committee in carrying out its assignment.
The Deputy Governor who is also the Chairman, the Delta State Boundary Committee affirmed the government’s resolve to put to an end all boundary disputes between various communities in the state for the people to live in peace with one another.
In their separate presentation, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, represented by Chief Gabriel Ohia, the Iyasei of Ogwashi-Uku represented by the Ihonor of Ogwashi-Uku, Obuzor of Ibusa, the Ugoani of Okpanam, Obi of Ewulu and representatives of Otulu, Oloa Ogwashi, Aboh Ogwash, Ubulu-Okiti among others lauded the state for the initiative and promised to submit written documents to the committee.
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