Thousands of indigenes of Ogwashi Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday stormed the Government House, Asaba, demanding that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori call their monarch, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo, to order.
The protesters, who described themselves as law-abiding citizens of Nigeria, said they could no longer tolerate being treated as “second-class citizens” in their own land by the traditional ruler.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Ogwashi Uku lands not Okonjo’s personal property,” “No to tyranny in Ogwashi Uku,” and “Obi is not the owner of Ogwashi Uku lands,” the protesters marched peacefully to the Government House.
They were led by Osamor Patrick Izu, President General, and Adigwe Eluemuno Sunday, Secretary General of the Ogwashi Uku Development Association (OUDA).
During the protest, the group presented a Charter of Demands containing ten key issues to Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Senior Political Adviser, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo.
Among their demands were calls for the state government to:
1. Intervene immediately to stop Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo and his agents from allegedly appropriating communal lands as personal property.
2. End the reported harassment of indigenes using security operatives linked to the palace.
3. Prohibit the sale of “recovered lands” by the palace unless the concerned village or quarter is directly involved as a plaintiff.
4. Cancel the palace’s “Notice and Warning” directive, which they said makes it mandatory for citizens to obtain palace approval before farming on ancestral farmlands.
Presenting their petition, the protesters appealed for government action to restore peace, justice, and community ownership of lands.
Responding on behalf of Governor Oborevwori, Senator Aguariavwodo commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and assured them of the administration’s commitment to ensuring fairness, justice, and unity in Ogwashi Uku.
He noted that the government was aware of the longstanding leadership and land disputes in the kingdom and would take prompt action to address the issues to restore peace, law, and order.
The protesters also visited the Delta State House of Assembly complex, Asaba, where they submitted a copy of their protest letter to the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Scoth Ehiwogun, for onward delivery to the Speaker.
