Tensions are rising between Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and Otulu, both located in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, as both communities accuse each other of land grabbing.
The conflict has sparked concerns about potential unrest in the region, prompting calls for government intervention.
The dispute began when the “United and Concerned Indigenes of Otulu” (UCIO) alleged that individuals from Ogwashi-Uku had forcibly taken over their ancestral lands.
The group, which claims to represent the interests of Otulu, has appealed to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to step in and address what they describe as acts of “oppression” by Ogwashi-Uku.
In a statement, UCIO accused His Royal Majesty, Obi Ifechukwude, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, of orchestrating the seizure of lands that rightfully belong to the Otulu people.
Spokesman for the group, Emmanuel Nwaka, emphasised that Otulu is an autonomous community and urged the government to act quickly to prevent further conflict.
“We are calling on Governor Oborevwori and the relevant security agencies to restrain the Ogwashi-Uku monarch before this tension leads to violence,” Nwaka warned.
He also urged the state government to help Otulu reclaim lands that have allegedly been taken by Ogwashi-Uku.
In a swift response, a prominent chief of Ogwashi-Uku, Jude Obidi, categorically denied the accusations, dismissing them as baseless and a deliberate attempt to stir trouble.
Obidi insisted that Otulu has always been an integral part of Ogwashi-Uku, a fact supported by historical and legal records.
“The claims being made by this so-called protest group are unfounded and driven by a few individuals looking to incite violence.
Otulu has always been part of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, as confirmed by government gazettes and official records dating back to the Western Region, Bendel State, and now Delta State,” Obidi stated.
He further criticised the protest organised by UCIO, claiming it involved only a handful of people, none of whom are true Otulu indigenes.
“This is a failed attempt to destabilise the community and spread falsehoods. The group is acting out a failed script,” Obidi added.
Obidi reaffirmed that the current leadership of Otulu, led by Anthony Enurah, was appointed by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and is recognised by the Delta State Government.
He described Enurah as a key figure in maintaining peace within the community, particularly after efforts were made to address earlier unrest.
Otulu elders, who have lived in the community for over 40 years, also supported Obidi’s stance, confirming that the area had enjoyed relative peace in recent years.
They noted that criminal activities and violence only resurfaced after the release of certain individuals on bail.
These individuals, according to the elders, have since aligned with figures like Nwaka, leading to renewed tensions in Otulu.
The elders commended Enurah for his leadership and praised his collaboration with law enforcement to tackle the recent surge in criminal activities.
They also called for a police investigation into the activities of the UCIO, accusing its members of disturbing the peace and engaging in unlawful acts.
The elders claimed that many members of UCIO are not true Otulu indigenes but rather come from neighbouring communities like Issele-Uku.
“These people have no legitimate claim to Otulu land,” one elder remarked, urging the group to abandon its attempts to rewrite history and incite violence.
The elders went further, accusing Nwaka and his associates of being sponsored by Charles Ogboli, a fugitive reportedly wanted by Nigerian police for inciting violence in the area.
They urged Governor Oborevwori and law enforcement to take immediate action to prevent further escalation of the situation.
In conclusion, the elders reaffirmed that Otulu remains a recognised part of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, a position they insisted is backed by historical and legal documentation.
They urged the state government to act swiftly to prevent the situation from deteriorating into further unrest.
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