Ogwashi Uku Kingdom’s Determined Effort to Reclaim Illegally Sold Community Land

Addressing False Accusations Against the Monarch

The Ogwashi Uku Kingdom in Delta State is steadfast in its mission to retrieve lands unlawfully sold to estate developers by dishonest individuals exploiting community trust. This commitment was reaffirmed by Her Royal Majesty, Chief Edith Rafua, the acting Omu of the kingdom, in response to a viral video featuring an anonymous woman accusing the reigning monarch, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, of orchestrating the destruction of crops on her farm and others within the community.

Clarifying the Role of the Omu and the Monarch’s Land Recovery Efforts

As the traditional leader responsible for women’s affairs and market activities, the Omu refuted the claims made in the video, emphasizing that after thorough inspection, no crops were harmed. She highlighted that the monarch, who holds custodianship over the community’s land, initiated legal proceedings in 2021 to repossess land that had been illicitly acquired by developers. Multiple local farmers have corroborated that no destruction of farmland occurred.

Legal Victory and Land Restoration Initiatives

Chief Edith Rafua explained that the contested land, located behind Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku, had been mortgaged without community consent. Following a rigorous court battle, the Obi secured a Certificate of Warrant of Possession, affirming his rightful ownership. Subsequently, the monarch undertook the clearing of pathways and restoration of the land, actions carried out with due diligence and respect for community welfare.

Questioning the Anonymity of the Accuser

The Omu questioned the credibility of the faceless accuser, noting that anyone alleging property damage would typically present themselves openly to substantiate their claims. She urged the woman to have reported her grievances directly to the palace or to her office as the Omu, rather than resorting to anonymous online accusations.

Monarch’s Developmental Contributions to Ogwashi Uku

Beyond land recovery, the monarch has been instrumental in advancing community development. His initiatives include the establishment of a mother and child clinic at the general hospital, installation of over seven transformers to improve electricity supply in Ogwashi Uku and neighboring communities, provision of boreholes to enhance water access, and the awarding of scholarships to deserving students. These efforts underscore his dedication to elevating the community’s quality of life.

Call for Community Support in Land Reclamation

Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the palace secretary, appealed to residents to support the monarch’s campaign against illegal land sales. He warned that without such intervention, future generations might be deprived of rightful land ownership, jeopardizing their heritage and security.

Proactive Measures and Official Correspondence

Before reclaiming the disputed land, Obi Okonjo, who is notably the younger brother of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, engaged relevant authorities through formal communications to address the land encroachment. These officials are fully informed of the situation, reinforcing the legitimacy of the monarch’s actions.

Recognizing the Monarch’s Integrity and Leadership

In light of these facts, the palace secretary emphasized that the king’s proactive stance in recovering Ogwashi Uku’s lands deserves commendation rather than the unfounded criticism propagated by the anonymous video. The community is encouraged to rally behind their traditional ruler to safeguard their collective future.