Ogwashi-Uku Crises: Onyeme Suspends Clan Chiefs, Inaugurates Commission Of Inquiry
The Acting Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has inaugurated a Commission of Inquiry to look into boundary disputes, and communal clashes in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and its neighbouring communities.
The acting Governor at the occasion which took place at Government House, Asaba, stated that all activities of clan chiefs (Okwabanis) installed in the affected areas and beyond by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku have been suspended pending the outcome of the proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry.
He said, “it is with a heavy heart that I address you this morning. In recent weeks, the usually peaceful community of Ogwashi-Uku has been embroiled in internal crises bordering on kingship and land ownership tussles.
“Tragically, lives and property have been lost in the ensuing conflicts that defies common sense and logic.
‘The matter was extensively and exhaustively deliberated upon in the last State Security Council meeting and the outcome of that meeting is why we are here today.
“As you all may be aware, Enhanced Peace and Security is one of the cardinal programmes of this administration’s MORE agenda, so, we will stop at nothing to ensure that we nip in the bud anything that will destabilise the state and truncate our developmental aspirations.
“Having examined the facts of the disputes as presented by the contending parties and stakeholders, the State Security Council resolved to constitute a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the matter, unravel the remote and immediate causes of the crises, and make appropriate recommendations that will engender lasting peace.
“The terms of reference for the Commission, as resolved by the council, are as follows:
The Commission shall inquire into, make findings, report on, and make recommendations concerning the following: Investigate petitions received from the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and other persons bordering on disputes relating to kingship and land ownership within Ogwashi-Uku kingdom; the disputes between the Ogwashi-Uku kingdom and other neighbouring communities, to wit: Ibusa, Otulu, Ubulu-Okiti, Okpanam, Olodu, Ewulu, Azagba-Ogwashi, Aboh-Ogwashi, Olloh-Ogwashi on land ownership; Whether the procedure for appointment of all clan chiefs (Okwabanis) in Ogwashi-Uku kingdom is in accordance with extant Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law?;
“To identify the principal actors behind the community unrest; the immediate and remote cause(s) of the community unrest in Ogwashi-Uku kingdom; and any other matter or petition concerning any person, community or institution relevant to the inquiry.
“To recommend appropriate action(s) for the resolution of the crises in the Ogwashi-Uku kingdom and neighbouring communities.
“To formulate recommendations on steps to be taken with a view to guaranteeing that the authors of the Community unrests are held accountable for their acts.
“Pursuant to the above objectives, the activities of all clan chiefs (Okwabanis) installed in the affected areas and beyond by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku have been suspended pending the outcome of the proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the affected areas are lbusa, Otulu, Ubulu-Okiti, Okpanam, Olodu, Ewulu, Azagba- Ogwashi, Aboh- Ogwashi, and Olloh- Ogwashi Communities.
“However, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku shall continue to administer his kingdom with respect to all traditional matters, while the security of lives and properties would be handled by the security agencies.
The Commission of Inquiry has Hon. Justice E.N. Emudainowho as Chairman. Other members are, Dr. (Mrs) Ajoritsedere Josephine Awosika , Dr. (Pharm) Paul Enebeli, Prof Andrew Onokerhoraye, DCP, Charles Dike
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Barr. Moses Namo, Assistant Director Department of State Services, Delta State and Barr. Gabriel Ikemefuna Eze-Owenz , Director (Advisory Services), Ministry of Justice as Member/Secretary.
Furthermore, Sir Monday Onyeme noted,
“I am confident in the ability of these members to act independently and dispassionately because they are persons of proven character and integrity.
“I urge all the clan heads, chiefs, relevant stakeholders, and residents of the affected communities to give them the necessary support and cooperation to enable them get to the root of the matter and make appropriate recommendations to government within the shortest possible time.
“I want to appeal to us to be our brothers’ keeper. We must always pursue the path of dialogue because discretion is the better part of valour. No war has ever been won on the battlefield but resolved on the negotiating table.
“So, I plead with us to exercise restraint in our utterances and actions, and let love lead. We must bear in mind that money, resources, energy, and time that would otherwise have been invested in meaningful development projects will be channeled to crisis management each time there is a breach of the peace resulting in violence and death.
“The Delta of our dreams has no room for bitterness and bigotry, we must commit ourselves to loving one another, respecting one another, and tolerant of one another. Our traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, and community leaders must take the lead in dousing tension in our communities; they should be advocates of peace, harmony, and peaceful co-existence.
“The worst thing that can happen is for a leader to fan the embers of division and disunity as we have seen lately with some misguided individuals.
“Our people deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams of happiness and prosperity in an environment of peace, security, safety, justice, mutual respect, and cooperation. The Commission has eight weeks to submit it’s report.”
Responding on behalf of members of the Commission of Inquiry, its Chairman, Hon. Justice Ejiro Emudainowho, assured the acting Governor, government and the people of the state that the trust placed on them would not be taken lightly.
“We will approach our task with the highest level of professionalism and integrity,” Hon. Justice Emudainowho stated
It would be recalled that the present Obi of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom appointed Okwabanis who were alleged to be selling community land. This magazine gathered that in Ogwashi-Uku tradition, it is not the duty of Obi of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom to appoint Okwabanis rather it is the responsibilities of the principal chiefs of the quarters in the community popularly referred to Idimies, that can appoint Okwabanis according to the tradition of Ogwashi-Uku people.
This may be why shortly after the Inauguration of the Commission of inquiry, an observer told the magazine reporter that the appointment of Okwabanis by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom was the cause of the crises that led to killings and destruction of properties in Ogwashi-Uku kingdom.
Though Delta State Government has suspended the Okwabanis, the Commission’s final report will determine how the people of Ogwashi-ukwu kingdom will view the state government’s efforts. For now time will tell.