The Delta State government’s Commission of Inquiry has concluded its hearings, clearing Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, of allegations related to land seizures.
The commission reviewed over 32 submissions, with key evidence presented by Obi’s counsel, Chike Onyemenam, demonstrating legal ownership of the disputed land. The committee also noted that testimonies from the Azagba Ogwashi-Uku community were undermined when their representative admitted the land was legally awarded to the Obi.
Speaking through his counsel, Obi Okonjo II, said the allegations were a coordinated campaign to smear his reputation as a king.
The monarch voiced this position while giving evidence at the recently concluded panel of inquiry, at its sitting in Asaba, into the Ogwashi-Uku and its neighbor which is investigating the ongoing kingship tussle and land disputes between it and its neighboring communities.
Obi Ifechukwude said his firm stance against land grabbing and illegal activities have made him a target of individuals seeking to tarnish his reputation.
He said the allegations of illegal seizure of land at Asagba Ogwashi, a satellite community in Ogwashi Uku kingdom and bulldozing of structures near Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, were part of the blackmail.
Onyemenam, had argued before the panel that the immediate past Obi had designated the area for a planned mega city, only for members of Azagba Ogwashi-Uku to illegally sell portions of the land to traders, some of them from across the river Niger.
The counsel who tendered evidence, including court judgments, warrant of possession and certificate of possession to prove the case also submitted over 120 deeds of conveyance and applications for ratification by buyers to the commission as evidence.
However, during cross-examination, Azagba community’s representative, Pastor Adingupu had told the commission headed by Justice Ejiro Emudianowho, that the land belonged to Azagba community that the land has been their farmland and that most of the houses bulldozed were built by indigenes of the community and not strangers from across the river Niger as claimed by the obi.
As part of the vindication of Obi Ifechukwude both by certified evidence presented and the cross examination of witnesses from the anti-Palace side, the witness could not produce any documentation to support claims of land sales by the Obi and agreed the land in question was part of the 500 hectares legally awarded to the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom by court judgment from Hon Justice Theresa Diai, the current Chief Judge of Delta state.
Counsel to the Obi, Chike Onyemenam, tendered evidence, including court judgments, a warrant of possession, and a certificate of possession, proving the land’s rightful ownership.
He further disclosed that the immediate past Obi had designated the area for a planned mega city, only for members of Azagba Ogwashi-Uku to illegally sell portions of the land to traders.
Over 120 fraudulent deeds of conveyance and applications for ratification by buyers were submitted to the commission as evidence.
Adingupu failed to produce any documentation to support claims of land sales by the Obi. Instead, Barrister Onyemenam presented overwhelming evidence of the Obi’s efforts to recover Ogwashi-Uku communal lands from illegal encroachments.
On the accusation by some persons representing Aboh Ogwashi Uku that the Obi of Ogwashi Uku kidnapped one Ekene Ugbah , a recorded audio conversation was played to substantiate the claim even as the translation revealed no evidence of wrongdoing against the monarch.
Collins Emwenwa, representing fugitive Chiedu Onwadiamu, accused the Obi of kidnapping one Ekene Ugbah. Emwenwa under cross examination, named a woman, one Joy Uche who was speaking to someone on the alleged kidnapping and killing of the said Ekene on the recording, adding that he could not tell if the said Ekene’s dead body has been seen.
Barr Ngozi Chukura, counsel to the Ogwashi monarch and Barr Jude Obidi, one of the persons implicated in the petition over the killing, dispelled the allegation by presenting police investigation reports identifying Ekene Ugbah as a suspect in the murder of one Chukwunweike Alao.
“Certified documents from the Delta State Ministry of Justice confirmed that suspects implicated in the crime were already facing trial at the High Court in Asaba.
The Obi’s lawyer emphasised the complete lack of evidence in all the allegations against the monarch,
The proceedings consistently revealed that the claims against the Obi were baseless, with compelling evidence highlighting his dedication to protecting Ogwashi-Uku’s communal heritage.
Recalled the Delta State Government set up 7- man judicial panel of Inquiry headed by Justice Ejiro.N Emudainowho to look into the lingering Kingship and Land Ownership Disputes within Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area and its neighbouring communities in the state.
The commission has concluded its sittings after hearing over 32 submissions from the public.
