The people of Otulu community, Aniocha South local government area of Delta State have called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene over their alleged land seizure by individuals from Ogwashi-Uku.
Spokesperson of Concerned Indigenes of Otulu Community, Mr Chukwuma Nkwuka, accused the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, His Royal Majesty, Obi Ifechukwude, of orchestrating the takeover of ancestral lands belonging to Otulu.
But the Obi dismissed the allegations as baseless, emphasizing that Otulu has always been an integral part of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, backed by historical and legal documentations.
The group’s appeal followed a protest march in Asaba, calling on the Governor to visit Otulu community to ascertain the extent of damage done by the monarch and his allies just as they threatened nationwide protest after seven days if their demands are not met.
Nkwuka further claimed that Otulu is an autonomous community, demanding government intervention to prevent further unrest and to call the monarch to order to forestall a breakdown of law and order in Otulu community.
While calling for relieve from their suffering in the hands of the monarch, his brother, Prince Onyema Okonjo, called for the disbandment of the armed militia group they recruited, armed and stationed in Otulu for several years.
Protesting in Asaba, displaying various placards with various inscriptions such as, “we want justice, Utulu is not under Ogwashi-Uku,” “Stop selling our lands, Otulu is an autonomous community,” they pleaded that the armed militia group should vacate their community.
They called on the authorities to address the fear and tension in Otulu community in respect of the brutal murder of one of their youth in the community, Mr William Eboji who is still lying cold in the mortuary.
