By Ovasa Ogaga,
A faction of five individuals, claiming to represent the Otulu Ogwashi-Uku community in Aniocha South Local Government Area, has called on Delta Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to act against alleged land seizures by people from Ogwashi-Uku.
This appeal was made during a press conference in Asaba following a protest march.
Representing the group, Mr. Chukwuma Nwaka, who speaks for the "United and Concerned Indigenes of Otulu," accused His Royal Majesty, Obi Ifechukwude, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, of leading a scheme to appropriate Otulu’s ancestral land. He further claimed that Otulu is an independent community.l
Responding to these allegations, Barrister Chief Jude Obidi, a leader in the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, dismissed the accusations as groundless.
He affirmed that Otulu remains a recognized part of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. Chief Obidi argued that the so-called protest involved only five people, none of whom are from Otulu, dismissing the demonstration as a misguided attempt to stir conflict. He suggested these individuals are spreading falsehoods and fueling communal tension.
Mr. Nwaka also urged Governor Oborevwori and security agencies to curb the actions of the Ogwashi-Uku monarch, warning that continued escalation could lead to unrest in Otulu. He requested the state government’s intervention to reclaim lands allegedly confiscated by Ogwashi-Uku.
In a phone interview, Chief Obidi reiterated his stance that Otulu is historically and legally part of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, referencing official gazettes from the Western Region, Bendel State, and Delta State, all of which recognize Otulu as one of Ogwashi-Uku’s villages. He added that the current leader of Otulu, Chief Anthony Enurah, was appointed by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and is formally recognized by the Delta State government.
Otulu elders, who have lived in the community for over 40 years, reported that the area has enjoyed peace for the past three years, following the imprisonment of individuals responsible for past unrest. These elders claim that the release of these individuals, now aligned with Mr. Nwaka, has led to a resurgence of violence. They commended Chief Enurah for his leadership in restoring peace and for involving law enforcement to address the recent rise in criminal activity.
The Otulu elders also urged the police to investigate the "United and Concerned Indigenes" group, accusing them of disrupting the community. They claim that many members of the group are not from Otulu but come from neighboring areas like Issele-Uku, and have no legitimate claim to Otulu land. The elders concluded by urging the group to stop distorting historical facts, cease inciting violence, and allow proper investigation. They further alleged that Mr. Nwaka and others are sponsored by Charles Ogboli, a fugitive wanted by the Nigerian Police for inciting violence in the community.
The elders reaffirmed that Otulu remains an integral part of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, a status that cannot bed disputed.
