The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, in Delta State, HRM Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso (JP), Abe I, OON, has pointedly blamed the illegal collection of development levies, known locally as ‘deve,’ for the persistent cases of land dispute in the kingdom.
Referencing the ongoing land dispute between Ugberikoko and Ugboridjo communities the monarch placed a ban on further practices of ‘deve’ collection in the kingdom.
Speaking at his palace in GRA, Effurun, during a formal dispute resolution session involving both communities, the monarch made it clear that the controversial ‘deve’ practice was at the core of the conflict, especially within the DDPA area of Uvwie Kingdom.
Presenting the findings of a committee set up to investigate the matter, the Ovie noted: “It appears the dispute is rooted in the unlawful collection of development levies from residents and developers in DDPA by some community representatives claiming authority.”
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He stressed that the practice of collecting ‘deve’ has not only been outlawed by the Delta State Government, but has also become a major source of unrest, extortion, and disruption of legitimate land ownership rights.
“This illegal activity continues to fuel tension and rivalry among communities. It has been a major trigger for disputes such as the one between Ugberikoko and Ugboridjo,” the monarch said.
Quoting the Delta State Public and Private Property Protection Law of 2018, the Ovie reminded all present that the law explicitly prohibits any form of levy or charge imposed on developers without legal backing. He warned that such actions amount to exploitation and could attract legal consequences.
He therefore urged leaders and residents of Ugberikoko, Ugboridjo, and DDPA communities to immediately desist from any further involvement in ‘deve’-related activities, and to respect the laws of the land.
“The practice of ‘deve’ must stop. It is illegal, it is divisive, and it is the very reason we are having this conflict today,” the monarch concluded.