The Delta State Government has reversed its decision to grant autonomy to Olu-odu community in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.
The State Government had earlier announced Olu-odu as an autonomous community rising from the State Executive Council held on Thursday at Government House, Asaba.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the council gave the approval for peace to reign in the community.
“The executive council meeting has approved the Oluodu community in Aniocha South as an autonomous community to give peace a chance. The Government set up the Commission of Enquiry for peace to reign, and the same Government gave the approval,” Aniagwu said
In a statement on Friday, the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom, Dr Ifechukwude Okonjo II, argued that there is a pending court case against the state government on the matter.
“The Delta state government (suit no.0/56/2024) prayed the High court for a declaration that Olu-odu is one of the villages that make up Ogwashi-Ukwu kingdom and cannot be carved out of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom and declared an autonomous community or kingdom by the Delta State government.
“The Delta State Government later set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate several matters, including the dispute arising from Alexander Ifechukwude parading himself as his royal majesty, Obi or traditional ruler of Olu-Odu kingdom; and thereafter, to publish its report for consideration of the government.
“The above case against the Delta government is pending and yet to be decided, and the above Judicial Commission of Inquiry has long concluded its sitting and hearing since the first week of December 2024, but until date has not published its report for the Delta State government Executive Council to consider.
“Based on the above facts, I, the Obi of Ogwashi Ukwu kingdom, do not believe that the Delta State government, which is known for its observance of the rule of law, will proceed without waiting for the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which it set up to conclude and publish its report.
“Also proceed in defiance of the above pending high court case of which the Delta State government is a defendant; to unilaterally carve out an autonomous community from Ogwashi Ukwu communal lands, without following legal, due process which includes the consent of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi in Council, Delta State House of Assembly and people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom” the statement read.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, Aniagwu said the state government had reversed the decision, saying that the autonomous status granted to the Olodu community was erroneous.
“We clarify that a memo seeking autonomy for the community was listed as one of the memos to be considered at the maiden 2025 meeting of the State Executive Council yesterday but was stepped down on the directive of His Excellency, the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori before the commencement of proceedings.
“We therefore wish to urge the general public to disregard the earlier publication erroneously granting autonomy to the community,” he stated.
