Rebuttal To “Misleading” Article On Alleged Land Grabbing In Ubulu-Okiti And Ubulu-Uku

PRESS STATEMENT

The Palace Secretary to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi has responded to a recent article in Atlantic News Online being circulated titled “Land Grabbing at Ubulu-Uku, Ubulu-Okiti: Youths Capture Agents of Ogwashi-Uku Monarch”.

According to Prince Emordi, the story contains several inaccuracies and misleading claims that need to be corrected for the benefit of the public.

His rebuttal is published verbatim as follows:

Clarification of Events
The individuals referred to in the article published by Atlanticnewsonline.com were not land grabbers as falsely alleged. They were lawfully and legally executing a court judgment delivered in Suit No. 0/23/2021 by the Honourable Justice K.O. Okpu in favour of His Majesty Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku. These individuals were working in the area alongside police officers from the Inspector General of Police and Zone 5 Police Command, Benin, who were deployed to enforce the court’s decision with a Writ of and Warrant of Possession.

Criminal Acts Perpetrated Against Lawful Personnel
Contrary to the claims in the article, the individuals were abducted, robbed at gunpoint, kidnapped, and brutally assaulted by a group led by Mr. Luke Ejiofor, Mr. Linus Osemene, Mr. Japhet Biose, and Mr. Ifeadi, accompanied by other miscreants. These perpetrators also damaged equipment worth tens of millions of Naira and endangered the lives of lawful officers and workmen on site. Such actions are unequivocally illegal and constitute a gross violation of the rule of law.

If the perpetrators had any grievances regarding the lawful enforcement of the court judgment, they should have followed proper legal channels and reported their concerns to the police instead of resorting to self-help, which has no place in a civilized society.

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The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and the Rule of Law
The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku is a staunch believer in the rule of law and is committed to ensuring that all actions taken regarding land matters are legal and just. He does not engage in land grabbing or any other illegal activities.

Following this criminal incident, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku promptly reported the matter to the appropriate authorities, resulting in the arrest this weekend of some of the key perpetrators. The police headquarters has vowed to ensure that all individuals involved in this criminal act are brought to justice.
Addressing Misleading Narratives

It is regrettable that the article conflates the lawful enforcement of a court judgment with unrelated boundary negotiations between the communities. The land in question is under the legal custody of His Majesty the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, as affirmed by the court. The ongoing boundary negotiations, which the Obi has been working to facilitate peacefully, have no connection to this matter.

Additionally, the boastful and brazen public displays by the perpetrators on social media, celebrating their abduction of lawful personnel, further underscores the urgent need for accountability. Attacking police officers, court officials, and workmen and displaying their pictures on social media is a serious offense and will not be tolerated.

Conclusion
The incident described in the article is a stark reminder of the need for all parties to respect the rule of law and avoid taking matters into their own hands. The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku remains committed to upholding justice and ensuring that anyone who acts unlawfully or violates court orders is held accountable.

The public is advised to disregard misleading narratives and await the outcome of the ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies, who are determined to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Signed by Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi (Palace Secretary)