Leave Ogwashi-Uku/Ibusa Boundary Dispute to Court to Resolve, Says Obi Okonjo

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba 

Traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom in Delta state, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, has urged the Delta State Government and all relevant authorities not relent in upholding the rule of law and the sanctity of the judicial process, and sued for calm and waiting on the courts to determine the issues before them without interference.

Obi Okonjo II, however, warned that his kingdom “will not be intimidated, harassed or subdued through acts of violence over land matters”.

The Ogwashi-Uku monarch was responding to reported “acts of aggression, threats to life and recent wanton destruction of property at Aboh Ogwashi-Uku” last Thursday allegedly masterminded by persons believed to hail from the neighboring community of Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area.

Nevertheless, the Obi, whose is sibling of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, noted that those who instigated such unlawful actions in the past were eventually made to face the wrath of the law as a consequence of their action. 

Reacting via a statement on Monday by Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the Palace Secretary of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, the traditional ruler, however, assured that law enforcement authorities have commenced investigation into the incidents..

The statement said, “We wish to state unequivocally that the Palace and the entire Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom will fully cooperate with all relevant security agencies to ensure that every individual who participated in, facilitated, or orchestrated the attack is apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the full extent of the law.”

Obi Okonjo II warned those contemplating similar acts to desist as the rule of law will ultimately take its full course without fear or favour,  reiterating the kingdom’s longstanding and principled position  not to  engage in public commentary on matters that are sub judice. 

On the the boundary between the two communities, the Ogwashi-Uku king said,

“For the avoidance of doubt, the issues relating to the boundary between Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area and Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area are presently before the Delta State High Court in Suit No. AKU/11/2024.

“Furthermore, the issue concerning the proper name and location of Admiralty University is currently before the Federal High Court, Abuja, for judicial determination. 

“These matters are properly within the 

exclusive jurisdiction of the courts, and the Palace remains committed to allowing due judicial process to run its full course. 

“We, therefore, caution against any attempts to undermine the authority of the courts through violence, propaganda, or extra-judicial means”.

Nonetheless, the traditional ruler urged members of Ogwashi-Uku community “to remain calm, law-abiding, and resolute in the face of any provocations” even as he  assured that justice will be diligently pursued and ultimately prevail in the matter.