Controversy Trails Ogwashi-Uku Farmland As Activists Allege Illegal Sale

Fresh Allegations Rock Delta’s Agricultural Programme

A new controversy is unfolding in Delta State following allegations by the Young Nigerian Rights Organization that a government-allocated agricultural cluster farm in Aniocha South Local Government Area is being unlawfully taken over and sold.

The group, led by activist Victor Ojei, has accused the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku of involvement in the alleged takeover of land originally designated for youth farmers under a state-backed empowerment initiative.

The claims, contained in a press statement dated March 10, 2026, have raised broader concerns about land governance, the limits of traditional authority, and the protection of public assets in Delta State.

Origins of the Disputed Farmland

The land at the centre of the dispute was reportedly acquired during the administration of former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and later allocated to young farmers under the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) introduced by Ifeanyi Okowa.

Located near Admiralty University, the cluster farm was designed as a strategic intervention to address youth unemployment and reduce crime through agricultural enterprise.

Since around 2015, beneficiaries of the programme have reportedly developed poultry and crop farms on the land, relying on it as a primary source of livelihood.

Claims of Harassment and Forced Eviction

According to the rights group, tensions around the land have escalated over the past two years. Farmers are said to have faced repeated incidents of harassment, destruction of crops, and theft of farm equipment.

The situation appears to have worsened recently, with reports that the farmland has been fenced off and farmers issued a three-month ultimatum to vacate the premises.

The group alleges that these actions were carried out by individuals acting on behalf of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, raising questions about the legality of the takeover.

Alleged Sale to Foreign Interests

A particularly contentious aspect of the claims is the suggestion that the land may have been sold to Chinese investors.

While details of such a transaction remain unclear and unverified, the allegation has intensified public concern, especially given the land’s origin as a government-funded youth empowerment initiative.

Analysts note that if proven, such a development would raise serious legal and ethical questions regarding the transfer of public land to private or foreign entities without due process.

Traditional Authority Versus State Ownership

At the heart of the dispute lies a longstanding tension in Nigeria’s land administration system: the intersection of customary authority and statutory land ownership.

While traditional rulers often serve as custodians of communal land, legal experts argue that land formally acquired and allocated by the government falls under statutory control and cannot be reassigned without official authorisation.

The rights group insists that any attempt to sell or reallocate such land—whether directly or through intermediaries—would be unlawful.

Calls for Government Intervention

The Young Nigerian Rights Organization has called on the Delta State Government to intervene urgently.

Its demands include an immediate halt to any takeover activities, protection for affected farmers, and a full investigation into the alleged transactions.

The group also urged the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and Job Creation to clarify the legal status of the farmland and reaffirm the rights of its original beneficiaries.

Broader Pattern of Allegations

Beyond the Ogwashi-Uku case, the organisation claims to have evidence of similar land disputes in neighbouring communities, including Ubulu-Uku, Ubulu-Uno, Otulu and Aboh-Ogwashi-Uku.

While these claims remain to be independently verified, they suggest a broader pattern that could have significant implications for land governance in the region.

Silence from Authorities

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the Delta State Government or the traditional institution in Ogwashi-Uku regarding the allegations.

The absence of a formal statement has added to concerns among stakeholders, particularly given the potential impact on youth employment and agricultural productivity.

Stakes for Youth Empowerment

The controversy underscores the fragility of government-backed empowerment programmes in the face of unresolved land tenure issues.

For many of the affected farmers, the cluster farm represents more than a policy initiative—it is a critical source of income and stability.

Observers warn that failure to resolve the dispute could undermine confidence in similar programmes and discourage youth participation in agriculture.

Escalation Threat Looms

The rights group has indicated that it may escalate the matter through protests, legal action, and international advocacy if its concerns are not addressed.

Such a move could further heighten tensions and draw wider attention to issues of land rights and governance in Delta State.

Conclusion

As the situation develops, the case presents a critical test for the Delta State Government’s commitment to protecting public assets and supporting youth empowerment.

At stake is not only the fate of a group of young farmers but also the credibility of institutional safeguards governing land use and development in the state.