Fresh debate has emerged over claims regarding the boundary between Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa, with the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom stating that no Supreme Court judgment has conclusively determined the dispute and that the matter remains before the court.
In a statement issued on Monday, Palace Secretary to the Ogwashi-Uku monarch, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, said assertions that the Supreme Court had settled the boundary question were inaccurate.
According to him, the dispute is currently pending before the Delta State High Court, Asaba Judicial Division, in Suit No. AKU/11/2024, presided over by Hon. Justice Obi.
He explained that both communities are parties to the suit and have submitted themselves to the judicial process.
“The matter is actively before a competent court of law, and both parties are participating in the proceedings. We await the court’s determination,” the statement said.
Protest and Public Claims
The renewed public attention followed a protest by some members of the Ibusa community at Government House in Asaba, where placards reportedly referenced a Supreme Court judgment and called for its enforcement.
However, the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom maintained that, to its knowledge, no subsisting Supreme Court judgment currently governs the specific issues under litigation.
Legal observers note that where disputes are pending before a court, public commentary by interested parties should be measured to avoid prejudicing proceedings.
Position on Historical Boundary
In the statement, the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom reaffirmed its longstanding position that River Oboshi represents the historical and administrative boundary between the two communities, including the demarcation between Aniocha South and Oshimili North Local Government Areas.
The Palace Secretary emphasized that the kingdom would continue to present its claims and supporting documents before the court.
Survey Documents and Land Claims
The statement also raised concerns about certain survey documents allegedly being used to support territorial claims. It urged that any disagreements over land documentation be resolved through established legal channels rather than public exchanges.
Admiralty University Matter
On a related issue, Prince Emordi noted that questions surrounding the location of Admiralty University of Nigeria are also subject to judicial proceedings, reportedly before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He said it would be appropriate to allow the court to determine the matter.
Call for Calm
The Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom commended the Delta State Government for appealing for calm and reiterated its commitment to peaceful resolution through the courts.
“We remain committed to the rule of law and will continue to pursue our position through due legal process,” the statement concluded.
The boundary dispute between the two communities remains under judicial consideration.
