Following a protest by some youths from Ubulu Okiti community over alleged land grabbing and arbitrary arrest, the traditional ruler of Ogwashi Uku kingdom, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, yesterday, described the allegations as a deliberate attempt to smear his reputation.
The protesters led by their president, Mr Ifechukwude Nwabuebo, had stormed Delta Government House in Asaba, weekend, in a peaceful protest.
Reacting in a signed statement by the Palace Secretary, Mr Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the Obi- in-Council dismissed the allegations as “false, and malicious.”
Obi Okonjo Anishi II is a sibling of ex-Nigeria Finance Minister and Director General, World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The Obi-in-Council said the staged protest was to derail legal process and sabotage police investigation.
The statement reads in part, “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.”
According to the statement, the Council awaits 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.
It recalled that on December 16, 2024, policemen and beneficiaries of a court judgement who were carrying out work on the land pursuant to the judgment of a court were attacked by a group of miscreants.
Read Also: Ondo traditional rulers involved in land grabbing will go to jail – AG
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.