The Ogwashi-Uku Town Union (OTU) has strongly condemned the executives of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), accusing them of inciting unrest and working against the peace and unity of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
Rising from an emergency meeting on Sunday, the OTU said it would no longer tolerate the “criminally compromised” actions of the ODA faction, which it described as “expired and without authority to speak for the people.”
“These same individuals have a long record of betrayal, deceit, and violence against our community. Almost two years ago, during the Ineh Festival, they orchestrated a terrorist attack on His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, at his Palace. Now, as the sacred season approaches again, they are back to their old tricks — trying to divide the kingdom and create disunity,” the Union stated.
The OTU accused the ODA of deliberately stoking tension through false and provocative statements, aimed at distracting from the peace and stability that had been restored to the kingdom.
“Since the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku won again at the Supreme Court in April 2025 and their lies were exposed before the State Commission of Inquiry, they have resorted to cheap propaganda. But this will fail, as all their previous attempts have failed,” the Union added.
According to the OTU, several ODA executives are facing criminal trials over their alleged roles in past acts of violence.
“Their Secretary-General, Mazi Eluemuno Adigwe, and Legal Adviser, Barrister Francis Okolie, are currently standing trial at the Federal High Court, Asaba, for terrorism and attempted murder following the 2023 attack on the Obi’s Palace. Two others face murder charges, while one has already been convicted,” the statement revealed.
The OTU further accused the ODA of hypocrisy, alleging that its members were involved in fraudulent land sales worth hundreds of millions of naira.
“They connived to sell community lands and pocketed the proceeds. Now that the Obi has, through due legal process, recovered those lands, they are crying foul and spreading falsehood. Their claim that the Obi ordered farmers to seek permission before farming is completely false,” the Union said.
It clarified that no genuine farmer has been stopped from working their land, explaining that Obi’s directive was simply for coordination on lands recovered by court order.
“His Majesty has encouraged all legitimate farmers to farm peacefully. Only those who benefited from illegal land sales are complaining,” the OTU stated.
The Union also lambasted the ODA for ignoring massive land-grabbing in parts of the kingdom, accusing its leaders of acting against the collective good.
“They have been deaf and dumb to the criminal land sales in Olodu and other areas. Instead, they defend those who robbed the community of its heritage. Their actions are treasonable and a direct affront to the peace of the kingdom,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming its loyalty to the Obi, the OTU warned the ODA against any attempt to disrupt the forthcoming Ineh (New Yam) Festival or destabilise the community.
“Ogwashi-Uku people will no longer tolerate these provocations. If the ODA executives are unhappy being part of this kingdom, they are free to leave. They are now persona non grata in Ogwashi-Uku. Their falsehoods and divisive tactics have no place here,” the Union declared.
