The commission of inquiry set up by the Delta State Government to look into allegations of land grabbing against the monarch of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom has concluded its proceedings after receiving 32 submissions from the public.
The Azagba Ogwashi-Uku community had accused, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, of unlawfully demolishing structures near the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku.
However, a palace source revealed that during cross-examination, Pastor Ernest Adingupu, representing the Azagba Ogwashi-Uku community, acknowledged that the contested land was part of the 500 hectares legally awarded to the Ogwashi-Uku monarch by a court in a case heard by Justice Theresa Diai, the current chief judge of Delta State.
Chike Onyemenam (SAN), counsel to the traditional ruler, presented substantial evidence, including court judgments, a warrant of possession, and a certificate of possession, affirming his legal ownership of the disputed land.
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He explained that the land had been earmarked by the late monarch for a planned mega-city development, but members of Azagba Ogwashi-Uku had allegedly sold portions of it to traders.
Over 120 deeds of conveyance and applications for ratification by buyers were submitted to the commission as part of the evidence.
Onyemenam also highlighted the monarch’s consistent efforts to reclaim Ogwashi-Uku communal lands from illegal encroachment, dismissing the allegations against the traditional ruler as baseless and a coordinated smear campaign.
He urged the commission to recognise that the royal father’s opposition to land grabbing and illegal activities, had made him a target of dissatisfied individuals attempting to tarnish his reputation.
The commission is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the state government in due course.
