The recent protest to Delta State Government House in Asaba by a section of youths from the Ubulu Okiti community accusing the traditional ruler of the Ogwashi Uku kingdom, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, of land grabbing and abduction, has been described as a deliberate attempt to smear the monarch’s reputation.
Reacting to the protest in a press statement signed by the Palace Secretary, Mr Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the Obi in council dismissed the allegations as false and maliciously wrong against the monarch, who is law-abiding and a strict adherent to the rule of law.
Some youths from Ubulu Okiti, led by their president, Mr. Ifechukwude Nwabuebo, had carried out a peaceful demonstration to Government House on Friday, accusing Obi Okonjo of land grabbing in their community and the arrest of their kindred.
Obi Okonjo is the younger brother of the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The council said it observed the use of propaganda and staged protests to derail the legal process and sabotage police investigation, adding that the protest was a stark reminder of the need for all parties to respect the rule of law and avoid taking matters into their own hands.
“The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku remains committed to upholding justice and ensuring that anyone who acts unlawfully or violates court orders is held accountable.
“The public is advised to disregard misleading narratives and await the outcome of the ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies, who are determined to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has welcomed the Commission of Inquiry and has responded to all claims brought before the commission.”
The statement further said the council joined hands to await results from the Commission of Inquiry, which was set up by the state government to investigate disputed land matters between Ogwashi Uku and neighbouring communities. The commission has concluded its sitting.
The Obi in council recalled that on December 16, 2024, policemen and beneficiaries of a court judgement who were carrying out work on the land pursuant to the judgement of a court were attacked by a group of miscreants.
The judgement (Suit No. 0/23/2021 by the Honourable Justice K.O. Okpu), according to the statement, had already issued a warrant of possession and certificate of possession with the assistance of police officers because of the insecurity in the area.
“These individuals were working in the area alongside police officers from the Inspector General of Police and Zone 5 Police Command, Benin, who were deployed to assist with security on the land with a Writ of and Warrant of Possession.
“The land in question has had a customary certificate of occupancy from the Bendel State Government and a certificate of occupancy from the Delta State Government, so there can be absolutely no false assertion or claim as to the ownership of the land in question or the location of the land.
“These perpetrators also damaged equipment worth tens of millions of Naira and endangered the lives of lawful officers and workmen on site.
“Such actions are unequivocally illegal and constitute a gross violation of the rule of law.
“If the perpetrators had any grievances regarding the lawful enforcement of the court judgement, they should have followed proper legal channels and reported their concerns to the police instead of resorting to self-help, which has no place in a civilised society.”
The Obi in council asserted that the Ogwashi-Uku monarch is a staunch believer in the rule of law and committed to ensuring that all actions taken regarding land matters are legal and just.
“He does not engage in land grabbing or any other illegal activities. Following this criminal incident, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku promptly reported the matter to the appropriate authorities.
“Fortunately, the police officers themselves were witnesses to all that happened, as they were also victims of this brutal attack.”
The palace secretary, however, said regrettably that the perpetrators of the violent and criminal act have chosen to protest their criminality and seek sympathy after committing offences against a lawful court judgement and law enforcement officers.
“They had initially celebrated and boasted about their actions on social media and in the news. Their boastful and brazen public displays by the perpetrators on social media, celebrating their abduction of lawful personnel, further underscore the urgent need for accountability.”
He advised stakeholders not to make any one-sided conclusions about the veracity of the protesters’ claims without reference to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku to hear his side of the story.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has warned that it would not take for granted any matter that could affect the security of lives and property in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, gave the warning while addressing the protesters from the Ubulu-Okiti community at Government House, Asaba.
Dr Emu commended the protesters for their peaceful disposition, assuring that the government would look into the matter comprehensively once the Commission of Inquiry’s report was presented.
“Luckily, they are almost concluding their assignment, and, in January, by the special grace of God, they would have been through, and the government will do the normal thing of going through the recommendations.”
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
