DELTA MONARCH RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED IPOB ACTIVITIES, ILLEGAL LAND SALES IN OKPANAM
The Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, alongside members of his Council of Chiefs, has raised concerns over alleged activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and what he described as renegade elements operating around the Ani-Olu farmland in Okpanam.
The monarch made the allegations on Friday during a press conference at his palace in Okpanam, where he warned members of the public against buying or acquiring portions of the Ani-Olu farmland across the Anwai River.
According to Ogbolu, some individuals were allegedly selling, leasing or granting portions of the communal farmland without the approval of the recognised traditional and community leadership.
He alleged that the activities had contributed to insecurity and tensions around the Ani-Olu axis, adding that the Delta State Government had previously intervened to restore security in the area.
The monarch further alleged that some IPOB members were brought into the area by what he described as renegade elements from Obodogwugwu Community.
He claimed that following the government’s intervention, some individuals had allegedly continued activities involving the sale or leasing of communal land to unsuspecting members of the public.
Ogbolu stressed that the Ani-Olu farmland, located across the Anwai River along the Okpanam-Ugbolu road axis, belongs to Obodogwugwu Quarter and has not been formally partitioned among its constituent villages or individuals.
He therefore maintained that no individual had the authority to sell, lease, grant or otherwise transfer an interest in the land without the consent of the recognised community leadership.
“The Ani-Olu land has not been partitioned or shared by Obodogwugwu quarters to the constituent villages or individuals and, as such, no sale, lease, grant or any form of alienation of interest therein can be lawful without the consent of the Diokpa-Isi and heads of the other villages that make up Obodogwugwu Quarter,” the monarch said.
Ogbolu also alleged that some members of Obodogwugwu had continued to partition and sell portions of the farmland despite warnings from community leaders.
He linked the alleged transactions to tensions and clashes involving persons said to be from neighbouring Ugbolu Community.
The monarch recalled the killing of one Onyinye Onwuka from Obodogwugwu, which he said he reported to the Delta State Deputy Governor in a letter dated August 27, 2024.
“I do not pray for a repeat of that ugly incident,” he said, stressing the need to prevent further escalation of tensions in the area.
Ogbolu also expressed concern over the alleged lack of effective response to complaints made to security agencies and claimed that some individuals involved in the disputed transactions appeared to have connections with compromised law enforcement personnel.
He said the Delta State Government’s efforts to restore security in the area should be supported, warning that continued disputes over the communal farmland could undermine peace in Okpanam and neighbouring communities.
On the proposed boundary between Obodogwugwu and Ugbolu communities, the monarch said Obodogwugwu had suspended plans to partition its farmland after learning that the state government was working towards resolving the boundary issue.
He alleged, however, that some individuals subsequently entered the area and began selling portions of the land despite community warnings and ongoing government processes.
The traditional ruler consequently urged prospective land buyers to exercise caution and properly verify the ownership of any property being offered for sale or lease within the Ani-Olu axis.
He warned that the traditional leadership of Okpanam would not recognise transactions carried out in breach of the established customs and community processes.
“I have the mandate of the Diokpa-Isi and principal elders of Obodogwugwu Community to warn the unsuspecting members of the public and their purported sellers of Ani-Olu land. This is a promise by Okpanam Community, not a threat,” Ogbolu said.
He called on security agencies, residents and prospective land buyers to respect the ongoing government and traditional processes aimed at resolving the boundary and land disputes.
The monarch emphasised that preserving peace and preventing further conflict should remain the priority of all stakeholders in Okpanam and neighbouring communities.
The allegations concerning IPOB members, land transactions and alleged links with security personnel could not be independently established from the account provided, and those accused would need an opportunity to respond.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1cjnvFfvXS
Dear Readers, Good and credible news reportage is tedious task and requires huge finances.
We are soliciting your Noble support for as low as N1,000 your support would go a long way in assisting us to continue to guarantee our readers quality news.
Bank transfers can be made to:
Account Name: Harvest and Commercial
Bank: Sterling Bank
Account Number: 0078627735