The traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo, has reaffirmed that the Otulu community in Delta State remains an integral part of Ogwashi-Uku, amid rising tensions over land ownership.
This statement was made in response to allegations by a group led by Mr. Chukwuma Nwaka, accusing Obi Okonjo of attempting to seize ancestral lands in Otulu, located in Aniocha South Local Government Area. Nwaka urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and security agencies to intervene, warning that continued escalation could lead to unrest.
Nwaka also claimed Otulu is an autonomous community and called on the governor to protect their land from “invaders” from Ogwashi-Uku.
Speaking through Chief Jude Obidi, Obi Okonjo dismissed the claims as baseless, emphasizing that Otulu is historically and legally part of Ogwashi-Uku. He highlighted government gazettes from the Western Region, Bendel State, and Delta State as evidence.
“The so-called protest involved only five people, none of whom are from Otulu,” Obi Okonjo stated, describing the situation as an attempt to spread disinformation and stir up communal violence.
Otulu’s leader, Chief Anthony Enurah, was appointed by Obi Okonjo and officially recognized by the Delta State government. Elders in the community confirmed that the area has been peaceful for the past three years, following the imprisonment of individuals responsible for previous unrest.
Some elders noted that these individuals were recently released on bail, contributing to the resurgence of tensions. However, they reiterated that Otulu remains part of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
