In a powerful show of unity and civic resolve, youths from Ogbe-Akwu community in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom staged a peaceful protest on Monday, marching to the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, and the Aniocha South Local Government Secretariat to register their deep frustration over the continued land invasion and harassment by individuals from the neighbouring Ibusa community.
The protesters, wielding placards and chanting peaceful slogans, decried the recent spate of land-grabbing activities by Ibusa elements who have repeatedly trespassed on Ogwashi-Uku farmlands, forcibly chasing away elderly men and women—many of whom rely on the land for their subsistence farming.
The protest comes amidst growing national attention on the activities of suspected land grabbers linked to the Ibusa community, including individuals allegedly associated with the embattled Mr. Fred Ajudua. Mr. Ajudua, a well-known figure from Ibusa, was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and is currently in prison custody in Lagos, undergoing trial for serious allegations of fraud.
The Ogbe-Akwu protest serves as a warning shot to those who believe that rural communities can be bullied or manipulated through falsified documents and intimidation. The Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, under the leadership of Obi Okonjo II, has reiterated its resolve to defend the ancestral lands of its people and to resist all forms of land theft through the rule of law.
Addressing the crowd on behalf of His Royal Majesty at the Palace, the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, commended the youths for remaining peaceful and for not resorting to violence in the face of continuous provocation. He acknowledged the pain and distress being caused by the illegal activities of the Ibusa land invaders and assured the protesters that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku was actively pursuing justice through lawful and appropriate means.
declared the survey plan paraded by the Ibusa community as invalid and of no legal consequence. He further disclosed that two separate lawsuits are currently ongoing at the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Delta State High Court in Asaba to address and conclusively determine the ownership of the disputed lands.
He cautioned the youths against taking the law into their own hands and emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to take its course. “His Majesty has directed that the appropriate law enforcement agencies be notified about the criminal trespass and destruction being carried out by these invaders,” Prince Emordi stated.
The youths, after being addressed at the Palace, also submitted a letter to the Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government, urging the council authorities to step up efforts in protecting farmers and preventing further incursions by the Ibusa trespassers.
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