By Austin Ogwuda
Following lingering crisis between Otulu community and Ogwashi-Uku bothering on insistence by Otulu community claiming to be autonomous and the counter claim by Ogwashi-Uku community that Otulu is under its territory and control, the Delta State government, has, at last, waded in to stop further loss of lives and property.
Recall that a group which styled itself as ‘United and Concerned Indigenes of Otulu Community’ staged a protest march in Asaba, Delta State capital sometime last month.
Addressing a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Asaba on the 12th of September, 2024, the group claimed stated that “it must be reiterated that Otulu is an independent community and even the Supreme Court of Nigeria and High Court of (then) Midwestern State of Nigeria had declared so as far back as since 1973 and 1975 respectively”.
Spokesperson of the group, Mr. Chukwuma Nkwuka said “we the law abiding citizens of Otulu community have been pushed to the wall by the terror groups and their sponsors leaving us with the only option of taking up arms in defence of ourselves. But we don’t want a repeat of Okuama tragedy where some Soldiers were killed by angry youths in self defence”.
But reacting, Counsel to the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Barrister Ngozi Chukura and Prince Onyeama Okonjo, urged law-abiding Otulu residents and the general public to disregard antics of the group.
In a chat with newsmen, they said “We wish to categorically state that the five individuals shown in their recent publication are not from Otulu Ogwashi-Uku, a recognised part of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. While it would normally be unnecessary to respond to such fabrications, we feel it is important to set the record straight for the benefit of the wider public.
“Otulu Ogwashi-Uku is, and will always remain an integral part of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. This fact is undisputed, as confirmed by the historical documents and official gazettes from the Western Region, Bendel State, and Delta State”, they claimed.
In response to the Ogwashi-Uku/Otulu crisis as well as similar crisis brewing in other neighbouring communities, the Delta State Government said it has set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into all of these issues, holistically.
This disclosure was contained in a
GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT which reads:
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly Deltans, that the Delta State Security Council at its recent meeting deliberated extensively on several security reports bordering on kingship and land ownership tussles within Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and its neighbouring Communities, which had led to series of attacks and counter – attacks resulting in the loss of lives and properties.
“Having conducted investigations into the cause(s) of the disputes and interfaced with contending parties and stakeholders, the State Security Council has resolved upon the need for an unbiased consideration of the underlying issues to the disputes. Consequently, His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State has constituted a Commission of Inquiry to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the crises and proffer appropriate recommendations for achieving lasting peace.
“The Commission of Inquiry will be sworn-in at 10:00 am on Monday, 7th October, 2024, and it has the following membership:
(1) Hon. Justice E.N. Emudainowho – Chairman
(2) Dr. (Mrs) Ajoritsedere Josephine
Awosika OON, MFR, mni – Member
(3) Dr. (Pharm) Paul Enebeli – Member
(4) Prof Andrew Onokerhoraye – Member
(5) DCP, Charles Dike
Deputy Commissioner of Police – Member
Delta State
(6) Barr. Moses Namo – Member
Assistant Director
Department of State Services
Delta State
(7) Barr. Gabriel Ikemefuna Eze-Owenz – Member
Director (Advisory Services)
Ministry of Justice
“Arising from this development, the activities of all Clan Chiefs (Okwabanis) installed in the affected areas and beyond by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku have been suspended pending the outcome of the proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry, which is composed by persons of proven integrity. For the avoidance of doubt, the affected areas include lbusa, Otulu, Ubulu-Okiti, Okpanam, Olodu, Ewulu, Azagba- Ogwashi, Aboh- Ogwashi, and Olloh- Ogwashi Communities.
“The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku shall continue to administer his Kingdom with respect to all traditional matters, while the security of lives and properties would be handled by the Security Agencies.
Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu
Secretary to the State Government
