Land dispute: Allegations, campaign to smear reputation of Ogwashi-Uku monarch – Counsel
ASABA THE Judicial Commission of inquiry set up by the Delta State Government to resolve land disputes between Ogwashi-Uku community, Aniocha South Local Government Area and it’s neighboring communities has concluded sitting.
This is just as Ngozi Chukura, one of the Counsels of Obi of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom, HRM Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, described allegations against the monarch in the land disputes as part of coordinated campaign to smear the reputation of the traditional ruler.
The Commission which listened over 30 petitions from the public, said it would visit certain selected relevant areas for on the spot assessment and further information gathering for fact-finding.
Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ejiro N.Emudianowho said the itinerary for the visits would be communicated to members of the public, urging the communities to remain peaceful as they had been throughout the period the Commission was sitting.
At the sitting, a claim of illegal seizure of land at Asagba Ogwashi and bulldozing of structures near Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku allegedly by HRM Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II was entertained.
A witness said the land belonged to Azagba community, noting that it had been their farmland.
Chike Onyemenam, SAN, representing the Ogwashi-Uku monarch, had argued that the immediate past Obi had designated the area for a planned mega city, only for some individuals to illegally sell portions of the land to traders.
The Counsel tendered evidence, including court judgments, warrant of possession, and certificate of possession to prove the case .
On allegations of kidnapping leveled against the monarch by some persons,
Ngozi Chukura and Jude Obidi , dispelled the allegation by presenting police investigation reports identifying a suspect.
Chukura emphasized the complete lack of evidence in all the allegations against the Obi, describing them as part of a coordinated campaign to smear the reputation of the king.
He urged the commission to recognize that the Obi’s firm stance against land grabbing and illegal activities had made him a target of individuals seeking to tarnish his reputation.
(Vanguard)
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