By Etatsemi Onoriode
Sapele: A protracted Land Dispute amongst the people of Ibada Amukpe Community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State has been amicably resolved by the members of a committee and the Duke in Council Amukpe District.
The land dispute at Ibada Amukpe community between Hon Paul Umukoro, for himself and on behalf of Ibada Amukpe community, the plaintiff Daniel Kokogho, for himself and on behalf of the children of late Chief Kokogho, the president and exco members of Ovwore Amukpe community defendants was delivered by the Duke in council, Amukpe district.
After the close of the case, panel members visited the said land for inspection along with representative of parties were the following findings were observed, the whole area covered by the survey plan of the defendant has signs to show it was an old camp where people dwell before, there are economic trees (coconut trees, rubber trees) well for water etc at the place, but both parties laid claim to the place, there are also relies like broken bottle, broken plates (damage) shells (old pits) in the place which confirmed the place to be an old camp, an old site for shrine was also identified, all that went to the bush stood at various portions they claimed belonged to their late father’s /grandfathers living just the portion where the old shrine is located, saying that, that is where late Okotie lived and practiced his herbal profession and where Kokogho stayed with him.
The panel later carefully considered the evidence of both parties, vis-a-vis what was seen at the bush and concluded as follows, since there is evidence to show that people once lived at the place at Oko (village) it is therefore improper for Ovwore community to approve such a piece of land that is (40 plots) for an individually/family which is against the constitution of the Amukpe district which forbid this.
The panel also resolved that the said deed of grant is therefore null and void and of no effect, noting also that the land caretakers were not involved in the granting of the deed.
Members of the panel include Chief P.E. Asagba (Duke) chairman Chief M. Asagba, member chief John Erhitobor (member) Chief E.M Odebala member, Mr Godday Okpako member, Mr Peter Smart Amukpe district P.G and Samuel Ifude also member.
A prominent member of the community Ambassador Kelly Igho Erute secretary Ibada- Amukpe also advised perpetrators and investors to stay away from Ibada family land known as Okuokoko which is the ancestral home of the people of Ibada and that there should be no trespass of any kind.
