Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has stepped down Olu Odu, a satellite community of Ogwashi Uku kingdom in Aniocha South council of the state as an autonomous community.
The state government had last year set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice Ejiro Emudianowho to investigate kingship and land ownership disputes within Ogwashi-Uku and the neighbouring communities including kingship status of Olu-Odu, which report has yet to be released.
A source told LEADERSHIP Weekend that the Olu-Odu matter was stepped down at the state executive meeting on Thursday on the directive of the governor, emphatically warning that the community has not been granted an autonomous status.
“We clarify that a memo seeking autonomy for the community was listed as one of the memos to be considered at the maiden 2025 meeting of the State Executive Council yesterday but was stepped down on the directive of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori before the commencement of proceedings,” the source confirmed.
The state commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu said, “We therefore wish to urge the general public to disregard the earlier publication erroneously granting autonomy to the Olu-Odu community on Friday.”
Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi (Dr ) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II had earlier reacted to the misleading information of Olu-Odu being granted autonomous status saying that the state government couldn’t have done so because of its observance of the rule of law.
The palace secretary to the Obi-In-Council of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, quoted the monarch as saying that the decision shows that the government truly believes in due process.
“The Delta State government later set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate several matters, including the dispute arising from Alexander Ifechukwude parading himself as his royal majesty, Obi or traditional ruler of Olu-Odu Kingdom.
“To unilaterally carve out an autonomous community from Ogwashi-Uku communal lands without following legal due process which includes the consent of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi-in-Council, Delta State House of Assembly and people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom cannot be true.
“The commission which has concluded its sitting and visits to sites of affected communities is yet to submit its report. The report of autonomy, consequently, cannot be true, as the Delta State government is known for its observance of the rule of law,” Obi Okonjo II said.
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