The long-standing land dispute between the Abigborodo and Sapele Okpe communities has escalated, with the Abigborodo Community Management Committee challenging Sapele Okpe leaders to present concrete evidence of their land ownership claims.
In a strongly worded response to recent statements by Chief Onoriode Temiagin and other Sapele Okpe representatives, Abigborodo leaders dismissed allegations against them as “false, misleading, and baseless.”
The controversy over the ownership of Ugbekoko lands intensified after Chief Temiagin accused Abigborodo, under the leadership of Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, of document forgery, inciting violence, and falsely asserting host community status in SEPLAT Energy Plc’s operations. He further alleged that historical documents supporting Abigborodo’s claims were fabrications and that the Itsekiri community was attempting to encroach on Okpe ancestral land.
In a swift rebuttal, Abigborodo leaders categorically rejected these accusations, asserting that their ownership of Ugbekoko is supported by verifiable legal and historical records dating back to the British colonial era. They referenced a 1919 lease agreement, petitions from Chief Okonedo to the colonial administration, and official correspondences certified by the National Archives.
“If Chief Temiagin insists our documents are forged, we challenge him to produce his own evidence of ownership,” their statement read.
Abigborodo leaders also refuted claims that they were involved in the recent shooting of a Sapele Okpe indigene, Mr. Patrick Gageche, calling it a deliberate attempt to incite tension and derail the ongoing peace process led by the Delta State Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee. They described these allegations as “calculated falsehoods” aimed at creating hostility and misleading the public.
Abigborodo also accused Sapele Okpe leaders of orchestrating attacks on their people. They alleged that Okpe youths, under directives from Chief Temiagin, set up illegal roadblocks along Ugberikoko Gana Road, where travelers of Itsekiri origin were reportedly harassed and assaulted. According to them, individuals such as Solomon Ayiri Omamogho, Louis Atunu, and Stephen Abaje sustained injuries in these incidents. They called on security agencies to investigate and ensure justice.
The Abigborodo Community emphasized that the dispute is currently under review by the Delta State government’s Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee, led by Chief Edwin Uzor. They reiterated their commitment to legal channels, having previously petitioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and engaged relevant authorities, including SEPLAT and state security agencies.
“While this process is ongoing, Chief Temiagin and his supporters continue to spread misinformation and instigate disorder,” the statement added.
Abigborodo also referenced a peace meeting held on February 5, 2025, at the Delta State Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) headquarters in Asaba, where representatives from both communities agreed to abide by the state government’s white paper on the matter. Resolutions from the meeting included commitments to maintaining peace and allowing the conflict resolution committee to complete its work without interference.
Despite these agreements, Abigborodo leaders accused Chief Temiagin of violating the peace accord by making inflammatory statements in the media and on social platforms. They warned that such actions could be subject to legal consequences under defamation and cyberbullying laws.
“Freedom of speech is not a license to spread falsehoods. Chief Temiagin must be prepared to prove his allegations in a court of law,” they asserted.
As tensions persist, Abigborodo leaders urged their community members to remain calm and law-abiding, reaffirming their trust in due process. They also called on security agencies to increase surveillance and protect citizens from further attacks.
“We stand for peace and justice. The truth will always prevail,” the statement concluded.
With both sides holding firm, the dispute remains a significant point of contention in Delta State. Observers now look to the government’s peace efforts to determine whether legal resolution and dialogue will prevail over conflict.
