Chairman of the commission of inquiry into the land and kingship disputes in Delta, Justice N. Emudianowho, has charged communities in the state to remain peaceful and avoid lawlessness.
The panel was set up to look into land and kingship disputes in Ogwashi Uku and its neighboring communities.
The commission which heard about 30 petitions filed from the persons and communities affected has concluded its sitting.
Justice Emudianowho, while making her closing remark as chairman of the commission said the members would visit certain selected areas for on the spot assessment and further information gathering for the fact-finding mission.
According to her, the itinerary for the visits would be communicated to members of the public, so that those who wish to come along could do so.
“We pray that the communities will remain peaceful as they have been throughout the period this Commission was sitting.
At the sitting, the claim of illegal seizure of land at Asagba Ogwashi, a satellite community in Ogwashi Uku kingdom and bulldozing of structures near Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku allegedly by His Royal Majesty Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II was entertained.
During cross-examination, Azagba community’s representative, Pastor Adingupu admitted that the land in question was part of the 500 hectares legally awarded to the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom by court judgment.
Barr. Chike Onyemenam, SAN, representing the Obi said the immediate past Obi had designated the area for a planned mega city, only for members of Azagba Ogwashi-Uku to illegally sell part of the land to traders.
The counsel tendered evidence, including court judgments, warrant of possession, and certificate of possession to prove the case.
