The Obi-In-Council of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Aniocha south local government area, Delta State, has described allegations by the United and Concerned Indigenes Group of Otulu as false and baseless.
Indigenes of the Otulu community, Aniocha south local government area of Delta State, have recently threatened nationwide protests after seven days if their demands are not met.
They called for relief from their suffering in the hands of the Obi of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, his brother, Prince Onyema Okonjo and the armed militia group they recruited and stationed in Otulu for years.
But in a release signed by Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, for palace secretary, he reiterated that these allegations are without merit as Otulu remains an essential part of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom while their ultimate objective is to plunge Otulu back into the dark days of criminality and unrest.
He said the attempts by these individuals to spread disinformation and provoke communal discord are destined to fail.
According to him, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku cannot and will not confiscate land that lawfully belongs to the Ogwashi-Uku community under his stewardship, saying the peace and security of Ogwashi-Uku remain paramount and stands resolute in protecting the integrity and security of the kingdom.
“The group, which remains faceless and unrecognised, has no legitimacy, and their claims warrant clarification to prevent public misunderstanding. The five individuals shown in their recent publication are not from OtuluOgwashi-Uku, a recognised part of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
“Otulu Ogwashi-Uku is, and will always remain, an integral part of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. This fact is undisputed, as confirmed by historical documents and official gazettes from the Western Region, Bendel State and Delta State.
“Furthermore, the Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs and the Aniochasouth local government area have both verified this reality.
The current traditional Chief of Otulu Ogwashi-Uku was duly appointed by His Majesty, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, and this appointment has been officially recognised and confirmed by the Delta State government.
“The Chief’s status has also been duly recorded in the state’s official gazette. It has come to our attention that the author of their press release, who hails from the Aniocha north local government area, has been using the names of prominent government figures to bolster their false claims.
Corroborating. Barr Ngozi Chukura, Legal Counsel, representing Ogwashi-Iku Kingdom,
maintained that the public is hereby advised to disregard the misleading statements made by individuals known to be connected with persons currently facing trial for inciting security disturbances in Otulu Ogwashi-Uku.
“Many of these individuals were only recently released on bail from the Federal Correctional Centre in Ogwashi-Uku,” he said.
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