The Delta State High Court, presided over by Justice H.O. Akpotohwo, has confirmed HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo as custodian of Ogwashi-Uku land.
The case was initially instituted against the chairman of PWAN Group, Dr. Austin Onwunmere, and other person who were involved in the illegal sale of lands along the Edo Ogwashi-Uku road in Aniocha South LGA, Delta State.
However, the court in suit No: 0/50/2021 between the monarch, PAWAN group and others declared that, “That subject to the Land Use Act, 1978, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku is the overlord, manager, and custodian of all lands within Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, including the lands in dispute.
“That any purported sale or alienation of the lands behind the Delta State Polytechnic or land in Ogwashi-Uku without the express consent of the Obi is null, void, and of no legal effect whatsoever.
“That the defendants and any other persons cannot sell, mortgage, develop, advertise, or otherwise appropriate the lands in dispute or any portion of land in Ogwashi-Uku without first obtaining the consent of the Obi and that the entry, occupation, and attempted sale of the said lands in dispute or any other lands in Ogwashi-Uku without the Obi’s approval amounted to trespas”.
Speaking after the judgment, Obi Okonjo expressed deep satisfaction after four years of trial, thanked the Delta State High Court for its courageous decision.
Read also: Land dispute: Traditional Rulers Of Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-Uku inaugurates committee to resolve issue
One Response
Good news for my inlaws.