The Delta State government’s decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to address the longstanding boundary disputes between the Ogwashi Uku community in Aniocha South Council and its neighboring communities has been hailed as a positive step.
According to Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, Secretary of the Ogwashi Uku Royal Palace, the move is viewed as a crucial effort to find a lasting solution to the land issues that have troubled the community for years.
He said, “the Obi believes in the rule of law and is committed to ensuring that the Ogwashi-Uku community assists with the commission’s work.
ALSO READ: Shaibu lacks authority to issue directives, remains impeached – Obaseki
“As directed by His Excellency the governor of Delta State and mandated by the state government, the Obi will take direct control of the affected satellite communities for the next 60 days, with the assistance of law enforcement agencies to ensure there is no breach of peace.
“The Obi’s leadership and commitment to resolving these internal and external disputes will undoubtedly bring clarity and fairness to the issues at hand, paving the way for a more harmonious relationship between Ogwashi-Uku and its neighboring communities and within the kingdom.
Delta state government named a 7 – man judicial panel headed by Honourable Justice E.N Emudainowho to resolve all long standing land matters in Ogwashi Uku Kingdom.
A statement by the Secretary to the state government, Dr Kingsley Emu reads, “Delta State Security Council at its recent meeting deliberated extensively on several security reports bordering on kingship and land ownership tussles within Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and its neighbouring Communities, which had led to series of attacks and counter – attacks, resulting in the loss of lives and properties.
“Having conducted investigations into the cause(s) of the disputes and interfaced with contending parties and stakeholders, the State Security Council has resolved upon the need for an unbiased consideration of the underlying issues to the disputes.
“Consequently, His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State has constituted a Commission of Inquiry to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the crises and proffer appropriate recommendations for achieving lasting peace.
The Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Hon. Justice E.N. Emudainowho, includes distinguished members such as Dr. (Mrs.) Josephine Ajoritsedere Awosika, OON, MFR, mni, a seasoned public servant; Dr. (Pharm) Paul Enebeli, a respected pharmacist; and Prof. Andrew Onokerhoraye, an academic expert.
Also serving on the commission are DCP Charles Dike, Deputy Commissioner of Police; Barr. Moses Namo, Assistant Director of the Department of State Services; and Barr. Gabriel Ikemefuna Eze, Director of Advisory Services at the Ministry of Justice. Their collective expertise is expected to provide a well-rounded and thorough inquiry.
“Arising from this development, the activities of all Clan Chiefs (Okwabanis) installed in the affected areas and beyond by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku have been suspended pending the outcome of the proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry, which is composed by persons of proven integrity.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the affected areas include lbusa, Otulu, Ubulu-Okiti, Okpanam, Olodu, Ewulu, Azagba- Ogwashi, Aboh- Ogwashi, and Olloh- Ogwashi Communities.
“The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku shall continue to administer his Kingdom with respect to all traditional matters, while the security of lives and properties would be handled by the Security Agencies.
