Due to ongoing land disputes, the Delta State Government has prohibited the sale of land in Ogwashi-Uku and its surrounding communities, especially in areas with contested boundaries, until further notice.
The state Deputy Governor, Mr Monday Onyeme, gave the directive on Friday at a meeting to resolve Ogwashi-Uku kingship, chieftaincy and land disputes with neighbouring communities at the Government House Asaba.
He said, “All sales of land in Ogwashi-Uku and its neighbouring communities particularly in disputed boundary areas are hereby banned until further notice.
“The government is resolved to put to an end all boundary disputes bothering between various communities in the state in order for the people to live in peace with one another.
“The meeting is a fallout from the State Security Council meeting which directed my office to address the issue which includes the deposition and replacement of gazetted Chiefs of Ogwashi-Uku by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom.
“Other issues as land ownership and administration of land titles in Ogwashi-Uku and surrounding communities, boundary disputes with other local government areas and the plethora of civil and criminal cases emanating from the resistance of the installation of new chiefs by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.”
The Deputy Governor acknowledged the government’s receipt of numerous petitions and complaints regarding the issues, expressing concern and thus convening the meeting to amicably resolve them. He assured that all concerns raised would be addressed, emphasizing that peace is essential for meaningful development.
Consequently, the state government established a committee led by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Owhoviorole, SAN. The committee includes the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Chieftaincy, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, the Secretary of the State Boundary Committee, the Permanent Secretary of Chieftaincy Affairs, the Permanent Secretary from the Office of the Deputy Governor, and a representative from the Technical Committee of the State Boundary Committee. Their mandate is to investigate the boundary disputes of Ogwashi-Uku and its adjacent communities to devise a permanent resolution.
He directed all parties concerned to submit all necessary documents to the committee within seven days and cooperate with the committee in carrying out its assignment.
