ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government on Monday stepped into the escalating land dispute in Ugbolu Community, Oshimili North Local Government Area, calling for calm and assuring affected residents that decisive action would be taken to address their grievances.
Addressing demonstrators at Government House, Asaba, the Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode, who spoke on behalf of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, commended the protesters for adopting a peaceful approach and assured them that the state would not ignore their concerns.
“I want to sincerely thank you for bringing your complaints and concerns to Government House, Asaba. I am pleased that you did not take the law into your own hands, and I urge you to remain peaceful,” Onoriode said.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to due process, stressing that the governor, whom he described as a firm believer in the rule of law, would ensure that justice prevails.
“I have heard all you have said. As you know, our governor is a law-abiding citizen, and I can assure you that he will look into this matter and ensure that justice is served,” he added.
Earlier, leader of the protesters, Dr. Ofili Okweose, a legal practitioner and lecturer, said the group was compelled to seek government intervention following what he described as the unlawful acquisition of their lands and the forceful demolition of properties.
He explained that the disputed land, located in Ubulu-Amachai quarters, spans several hectares and is owned by thousands of individuals, many of whom are civil servants who have occupied the area peacefully for years without dispute.
“Our concern is that we acquired lands in Ubulu-Amachai quarters and have used them for 20, 15, even 10 years without hindrance. Nobody ever challenged us, and there was no contention whatsoever,” he stated.
“Just a few weeks ago, someone brought in bulldozers—not one, not two, but up to ten—clearing the entire area and carving it into a layout,” he added.
Dr. Okweose alleged that preliminary findings suggest some officials within the Ministry of Lands may have been in communication with members of the Ubulu community, creating the impression that the land was under government acquisition.
“But we know that government does not acquire land to hand over to estate developers for private business. If that happens, the court will nullify it. That is far from a legitimate government acquisition,” he insisted.
He further accused certain individuals of colluding with community elements and private developers to dispossess rightful owners under the guise of a state-backed project.
“The summary of what is happening is that some unscrupulous senior civil servants are using the name of the state, in collaboration with some elements in Ubulu and estate developers, to sell our land,” he said.
Questioning the legitimacy of the development, the protesters pointed to the absence of statutory project markings and documentation at the site, which they argued contradicts standard government procedures.
“If you visit the site, you will not see any signage. By law, every government project must display details such as the nature of the project, the client, contractor, and consultant. Nothing like that is there,” he noted.
He also condemned the manner in which the demolition was allegedly carried out, describing it as forceful and unlawful.
“You can imagine up to ten bulldozers operating at night, with dogs and men armed with pump-action guns. Does the government operate that way? They are destroying crops and buildings, all in the name of the state government,” he lamented.
Dr. Okweose disclosed that the matter had been reported to the Delta State Police Command but alleged that no concrete action had been taken, a development that prompted the peaceful protest to Government House.
The protest ended without incident, as demonstrators expressed cautious optimism that the Delta State Government would act swiftly to investigate the allegations and ensure justice for affected landowners.
