By Austin Ogwuda
The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM OBI (Dr) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II has given the Admiralty University of Nigeria 30 days to change its address from Ibusa to Ogwashi-Uku.
The Monarch threatened that Ogwashi-Uku community will commence legal action against the University if the University authorities fail to comply.
Obi Okonjo claimed that the location where the University is situated is on Ogwashi- Uku land and not Ibusa.
To drive home his claim, Obi Okonjo, has through his lawyers from J.O Ojobu & Co Chambers communicated to the University authorities.
The letter dated 21st of November 2023, Sir J.O Ojobu & Co notified Admiralty University about the anomalies and irregularities in the legislation establishing the University which have made it unconstitutional.
The lawyers clearly pointed out that the Constitution of Nigeria delineated 774 local government areas whose boundaries are inserted into the Constitution of the Federal government, wherein any designation contrary to the delineation as recognised by the Constitution is null and void.
Sir J.O Ojobu attached to the letter a certified map of Delta State with local government boundaries and pointed out that the boundary between Ibusa which is located in Oshimili North Local Government Area and Ogwashi-Uku which is in Aniocha South Local Government Area is the river oboshi.
“This river (oboshi) also forms the natural boundary between the Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa communities.
“As Admiralty University which is uncontestably located in Aniocha South Local Government Area which is a constitutional issue, it cannot be located in Ibusa (Oshimili North local government)”, the letter stated.
The lawyers further pointed out that members of the Ibusa community have leveraged on these anomalies to enter into Ogwashi-Uku land and alienate same with impunity.
Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the Palace Secretary in Ogwashi-Uku kingdom stated that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku being an academic with a doctorate degree in Economics was not opposed to the University but wanted to ensure that the address and other legislation properly reflected the true and correct location of the University.
He also warned members of the Ibusa community currently trespassing on Ogwashi-Uku land to stay away from the land.