The Aniagbala community of Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, Delta State, has vehemently rejected the purported reconciliation between the Ogwashi-Uku monarch and certain Ubulu-Uku chiefs. This purported reconciliation, the community asserted, ignored the significant damage inflicted upon Aniagbala residents and their property.
In a press statement released on Thursday, community leaders; Elder (Diokpa) Charles Ejiofor, Mr. Patrick Emordi, Mr. Jerry Isichei, and Chief Ezumezu Okoh expressed profound disappointment with Chief Asika Onwordi’s press release following a meeting in Asaba on Wednesday with Ogwashi-Uku chiefs. They questioned Onword’s claim to represent the interests of Aniagbala as they argued that a genuine representation would not condone the illegal actions of His Royal Majesty, Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
The community alleged that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, with the assistance of police from Zone 5 headquarters in Benin City, has engaged in forceful land encroachment, property destruction, and the collection of illegal levies, all in violation of a Delta State government order mandating restraint in land disputes pending the conclusion of an ongoing Commission of Enquiry report.
The community leaders further criticized the Ubulu-Uku chiefs involved in the purported reconciliatory meeting for their failure to fully grasp the extent of the damage to Aniagbala properties and for characterizing the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku as a “man of integrity.” They highlighted that several affected families have resided in Aniagbala for over a century and are being unjustly victimized. They added that legal action seeking compensation for the damages has already commenced.
According to the press statement, Aniagbala people expressed shock that the chiefs claiming to represent them did not physically visit the area to verify and assess the damage done by Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
“It is also surprising that when destruction by Obi of Ogwashi-Uku began about four months ago at Aniagbala which is a settlement within Ubulu-Uku territory, a letter was specifically sent to the Obi-in-Council intimating them of the incident but no chief except Chief Emma Ejiofor had ever addressed the concerns of Aniagbala as Obi of Ogwashi-Uku began to annex the land.
“Therefore, negotiating peace settlement without verifying the extent of the damage done, is a gross injustice and fraud at its best. We appeal that if there is any peaceful pact to be brokered, the parties involved should visit Aniagbala and Ubulu-Okiti to see the gravity of what was done in the area.”
They further posited that “It is perceived injustice and in bad faith for Chief Asika to be alluding to the fact that Obi of Ogwashi-Uku is not the aggressor and also be supporting him with words that the Obi is “a peaceful person and man of integrity.” It is a claim that does not support the action of the monarch and what he has done so far because every effort by Aniagbala people earlier on, to adopt a peaceful approach was shot down by Obi Okonjo himself.
“He forcefully chased away Aniagbala people and even brought thugs from Aguleri in Anambra State to support Zone 5 police in attacking Aniagbala. Therefore, Asika’s claim that Obi of Ogwashi-Uku is a peaceful person is an absurdity. We, the people of Aniagbala resist that claim,” the statement added.
The community has further demanded for a thorough investigation into the allegations and insisted on their rightful participation in any meaningful reconciliation process. They reaffirm their determination to protect their land rights and seek justice for the grievances suffered.