Land dispute: Delta monarch warns against violence, urges respect for courts
From Simon Utebor, Asaba The traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, King Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, has called on the Delta State Government and relevant authorities to uphold
From Simon Utebor, Asaba
The traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, King Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, has called on the Delta State Government and relevant authorities to uphold the judicial process in resolving ongoing community land disputes.
The monarch, who is a younger brother of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), made the appeal on Tuesday, stressing that all issues relating to the dispute should be left for the courts to determine without interference.
Reacting to alleged attacks, threats to life, and destruction of property at Aboh Ogwashi-Uku, reportedly carried out by individuals from the neighbouring Ibusa community, he said the kingdom would not be intimidated or subdued through violence.
In a statement signed by the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the monarch noted that law enforcement agencies had commenced investigations into the incidents.
He stated that the palace and the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom would cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the alleged attack are apprehended and prosecuted.
The monarch warned against further acts of violence, noting that individuals who had engaged in similar conduct in the past had faced legal consequences.
He reiterated that the kingdom does not comment publicly on matters that are sub judice, emphasising that the dispute over the boundary between Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area and Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area is currently before the Delta State High Court.
He added that a separate issue concerning the name and location of Admiralty University is before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to him, both matters fall within the jurisdiction of the courts, and the palace remains committed to allowing due legal processes to run their full course.
He cautioned against attempts to undermine the judiciary through violence or extra-judicial means and urged members of the Ogwashi-Uku community to remain calm and law-abiding while justice takes its course.
