*…Says Allegations Against Monarch Baseless*
**By Anne Azuka**
The Ogwashi-Uku Town Union (OTU) in Delta State has described a communiqué issued by a faction of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA) as a desperate attempt by self-serving individuals to incite unrest in the community.
In a statement signed by its Acting President-General, **Mr. Francis Osude**, and Secretary, **Mr. Nkem Charles**, the union condemned the communiqué, which accused the traditional ruler, **His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II**, of high-handedness and of directing farmers to obtain palace approval before engaging in farming.
The OTU dismissed the claims as false and malicious, describing the ODA faction as “expired, compromised, and without authority to speak for the people of Ogwashi-Uku.”
It further warned that the timing and tone of the communiqué were provocative, especially as the kingdom prepares for its sacred *Ineh* (New Yam) Festival — a period traditionally marked by thanksgiving, peace, and unity.
According to the union, the ODA faction previously endorsed parallel *Ineh* festivals and backed actions that led to attacks on the traditional ruler.
> “The ODA has no capacity within Ogwashi-Uku. Traditional authority in our kingdom rests with His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, and members of the Obi-in-Council who are the recognized community chiefs. None of these chiefs or lawful representatives of the people participated in this purported communiqué or town hall meeting,” the statement said.
The OTU also alleged that some signatories to the communiqué are facing criminal charges.
> “Two of their key advisers — Secretary-General, Mazi Eluemuno Adigwe, and Legal Adviser, Barrister Francis Okolie — are currently standing trial at the Federal High Court, Asaba, for terrorism and attempted murder in an armed attack on the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku two years ago,” the statement claimed, adding that another member had recently been convicted by the same court.
The union further accused members of the faction of engaging in fraudulent land sales in the past and said their renewed agitation followed the lawful recovery of such lands by the Obi through court-backed processes.
On the allegation that farmers were being forced to seek palace permission before cultivating land, the union clarified that no citizen had been barred from legitimate farming.
> “His Majesty only directed that those wishing to farm within recovered estates under court judgment should obtain permission for proper coordination and security. The Obi encourages all farmers to farm freely and peacefully,” the statement noted.
The union said the ODA had long lost relevance for allegedly supporting separatist activities in Otulu and Olodu-Ogwashi and failing to defend community interests during previous land disputes.
> “They never protested when land was being sold fraudulently or when separatists declared autonomy. It is only now, when the Obi has recovered the land for the rightful owners, that they pretend to defend the people,” the OTU stated.
The union warned that any attempt to disrupt the *Ineh* Festival or inflame communal tension would be firmly resisted.
> “We will hold members of the ODA personally and collectively responsible if they attempt to disturb the peace during the sacred period of the *Ineh* Festival,” the union declared.
Concluding with a biblical reference, the OTU likened the situation to the story of Solomon and the two harlots, saying those spreading falsehoods “would rather see the kingdom divided because they have failed in their ambitions.”
