Obi Of Ogwashi-Uku Rebuts Allegations By Chief Ezekiel Iloba, Reaffirms Commitment To Land Recovery

The Palace Secretary to the Obi-in-Council, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, has dismissed as baseless and fabricated a recent story published in an online news medium.

The article, titled “Agidiahe Community Petitions Police IG, Governor Oborevwori, Accuses Obi of Ogwashi-Uku of Land Speculation, Grabbing,” was described by the Palace as “lies from the pits of hell.”

Responding to the publication on December 5, 2024, Prince Emordi characterized the allegations leveled by Chief Ezekiel Iloba as “laughable and comical.”

He noted that Chief Iloba, who previously faced public disgrace during his testimony before the Delta State Commission of Inquiry, is desperately clinging to falsehoods.

“Chief Iloba’s lies were exposed during the commission’s proceedings, where he admitted to selling communal land. His fabrications are a futile attempt to justify his failure to deliver lands he illegally sold to real estate developers,” Emordi stated.

He further revealed that the Agidiahe community has taken Chief Iloba to court over his unauthorized land sales.

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Despite this, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has intervened on multiple occasions to mediate and appeal for peace among community members aggrieved by Iloba’s actions.

Emordi highlighted that Chief Iloba previously submitted a written apology to the Obi, acknowledging his misconduct, and paid traditional fines imposed for his improper actions.
Legal and Lawful Land Recovery Efforts

The Palace Secretary reiterated that the ongoing land recovery efforts are being conducted legally and with the backing of court judgments.

“The land in question is being recovered lawfully, with approvals from relevant authorities and law enforcement to assist court officials.

The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku is the custodian, trustee, and overlord of all lands in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. All illegally sold land will be returned to its rightful purpose,” Emordi stated.

He emphasized that these efforts aim to ensure that community members, many of whom rely on farming for their livelihoods, retain access to farmland for subsistence agriculture.

Emordi also affirmed the Obi’s stance against the sale of communal land in a manner that disadvantages the community.

“The Obi will never condone the unauthorized sale of communal land, and any chief or individual attempting to do so will face consequences.

The Palace remains transparent and is prepared to respond to any law enforcement agency to demonstrate that these actions are legitimate and within the rule of law,” he added.

Community Support for Land Recovery
Chief Onyema Okafor, the Okwabani (Traditional Leader) of Edo Ogwashi-Uku, corroborated the Palace’s position, confirming the ongoing removal of illegal real estate signage from farmlands as part of the recovery process.

According to Chief Okafor, the reclaimed land will be returned to the community’s farmers.

He dismissed Chief Iloba’s allegations as part of a malicious and deliberate smear campaign against the Obi.

“These claims of land grabbing are baseless. Chief Iloba’s own testimony at the commission confirmed that the Agidiahe community stands firmly with the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku. His petition is nothing but a desperate attempt to rewrite the narrative and cover up his actions,” Okafor stated.

Chief Okafor reaffirmed the community’s unwavering support for the Obi’s efforts, noting that the recovery of communal lands is in the best interest of all Ogwashi-Uku indigenes.

“The Obi’s actions are safeguarding the kingdom’s heritage and ensuring justice for the people of Ogwashi-Uku,” he concluded.