By Anne Azuka
The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, has expressed satisfaction over the peaceful celebration of this year’s Ineh (New Yam) Festival, which saw thousands of indigenes participate in unity.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Prince Onyema Okonjo, at the Ogwashi-Uku Palace, the monarch commended the people for their large turnout and peaceful conduct, noting that peace and development remain the foremost priorities for the kingdom.
“For the first time since 2007, the Ineh Festival was celebrated with great unity as sons and daughters of Ogwashi-Uku came out en masse. The celebration was peaceful and everything went well,” Prince Okonjo said.
He explained that the only disruption occurred on the final day when some aggrieved persons—currently in court over community land sales—allegedly hired protesters in Asaba.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had earlier appealed for calm among factions in Ogwashi-Uku, following land-related disputes. The appeal came after members of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Union (ODU)*, led by its President-General Mr. Patrick Osamor, protested at Government House, Asaba, seeking government intervention.
Prince Okonjo reaffirmed the Obi’s commitment to reconciliation and continued dialogue through the Obi-in-Council, emphasizing that the traditional ruler would keep fostering peace and inclusivity.
“The Obi will continue working with his advisers to ensure peace. There are ongoing discussions, and progress has been made. Change takes time, but we are moving forward,” he said.
He disclosed that the family which lost the Obiship dispute had sent a peace message and refrained from holding a parallel celebration this year, signaling progress toward reconciliation.
On the contentious issue of land ownership, Prince Okonjo clarified that the Obi is the custodian of all communal lands in the kingdom, managed by chiefs on his behalf. He stressed that no land can be sold without the monarch’s consent and that recent land recoveries were made for the collective benefit of the kingdom, not for personal gain.
“The Obi recovered the lands for the people. Farmers have returned to their farms, and communities have been advised to establish committees to allocate land for farming, development, and future projects,” he stated.
He condemned the indiscriminate sale of communal lands for private estates without long-term planning, urging for designated areas for industries, schools, hospitals, and markets to support sustainable development.
Prince Okonjo emphasized that the majority of Ogwashi-Uku indigenes have rejected divisive actions, opting instead for peace and progress.
“There is a time for peace and reconciliation, and that time is now. Continued opposition only hurts the community. Development is for everyone, not for the Obi alone,” he added.
Reflecting on the long legal battles over the kingship, Okonjo recounted that the matter had been resolved in favor of the current royal family at all judicial levels, including multiple rulings by the Supreme Court, and urged all parties to accept the final verdict.
“After 25 years of litigation, the Supreme Court repeatedly affirmed our position. It is time to embrace peace and move Ogwashi-Uku forward,” he concluded.
