ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has appealed for peace and restraint among factions within the Ogwashi-Uku communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area following renewed internal conflicts over land ownership and sales.
The governor made the appeal on Thursday after a group of Ogwashi-Uku indigenes, led by the President General of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Union (ODU), Mr. Patrick Osamor, staged a peaceful protest to the Government House in Asaba to seek the state government’s intervention in the lingering land disputes.
Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Political Adviser, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, commended the protesters for maintaining decorum and order during the demonstration, describing their peaceful approach as in line with his administration’s Enhanced Peace and Security policy.
“I commend you for conducting yourselves peacefully. Be rest assured that your grievances will be addressed speedily and resolved amicably,” the governor assured.
He emphasized that peace and security remained a top priority of his administration, stressing that the government would take all necessary steps to restore harmony and prevent further breakdown of law and order in the community.
Mr. Osamor, speaking on behalf of the protesters, alleged that certain individuals, including the traditional ruler of the community, had been involved in illegal land transactions that contravene established customary land administration practices.
“Land grabbers are selling lands without the consent of the Diokpa and village chiefs. They have also recruited some youths into a cartel to perpetrate nefarious land deals,” Osamor claimed.
He appealed to the state government to intervene decisively to halt the activities of those allegedly exploiting communal lands for personal gain, insisting that the community’s traditional and legal land management systems must be respected.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed that the Delta State Government would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting community peace, warning that disputes should be resolved through lawful and conciliatory means rather than confrontation.
The governor’s call for calm comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen grassroots peacebuilding and uphold justice in Delta’s diverse communities, in line with his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda, Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
