Land ownership dispute: Obi of Ogwashi-Uku debunks allegations of land grabbing

The Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has strongly refuted allegations of land grabbing following a protest by youths claiming to be from Ubulu-Okiti and Ubulu-Uku at the Delta State Government House.

The protesters accused the Obi of forcibly acquiring their land and orchestrating the abduction of their relatives to Zone 5 police headquarters in Benin. However, the Palace has described these claims as false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the monarch.

Setting the Record Straight

In a statement signed by Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the Palace Secretary, it was clarified that the events of December 16, 2024, were tied to the lawful enforcement of a court judgment. The land in question had been the subject of a legal dispute resolved by 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 under police supervision due to prior security threats in the area.

The Palace emphasized that the land is backed by a valid customary certificate of occupancy from the Bendel State Government and a certificate of occupancy from the Delta State Government, confirming the Obi’s legal ownership and making opposing claims baseless.

Attack on Court-Sanctioned Land

The Palace detailed a violent attack on the court-recognized land during the lawful enforcement of the judgment. Alleged perpetrators, including Mr. Ejiofor, Mr. Linus Osemene, Mr. Japhet Biose, and Mr. Ifeadi, reportedly led an armed group to disrupt the process.

They allegedly abducted workers, assaulted law enforcement officers, and destroyed equipment worth tens of millions of Naira. The Palace labeled these actions as serious crimes that undermine the rule of law, criticizing the attackers for resorting to self-help rather than legal redress.

Rebuttal to Misleading Protests

The Palace expressed disappointment at the protesters’ narrative, accusing them of seeking public sympathy to evade accountability for their criminal actions. It noted that some of the protesters had previously celebrated their attacks on social media, boasting about abducting lawful personnel and destroying property.

The Palace urged the public to view these protests as a distraction aimed at derailing investigations and misleading the public.

The Obi’s Stand on Justice

The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, a committed advocate of the rule of law, has ensured that all actions regarding land matters follow legal and fair processes. Following the attack, the Obi promptly reported the incident to law enforcement, with officers providing firsthand accounts of the violence.

The Palace called on the public and government officials to avoid hasty judgments based on one-sided narratives. It urged all parties to respect the legal process and await the findings of ongoing investigations and the Commission of Inquiry.

Conclusion

The Palace condemned the use of propaganda and staged protests to obstruct justice and emphasized that court rulings must be respected. It reaffirmed the Obi’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability.

As investigations continue, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku reassures the public that truth and justice will prevail, reiterating his dedication to fairness, legal integrity, and community progress.