Ogwashi-Uku Monarch Denies Foreign Land Sale Allegations, Blames Smear Campaign
Monarch Refutes Allegations of Foreign Land Deals
THE traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, has firmly denied claims that communal lands belonging to the kingdom were sold to foreign investors, describing the allegations as false, malicious, and deliberately misleading.
In a statement issued by the Palace Communications Directorate, the monarch clarified that no land within the kingdom had been ceded to Chinese nationals or any other foreign entities, contrary to reports circulating in sections of the media.
Palace Alleges Coordinated Campaign of Misinformation
The palace accused certain individuals, including a named critic, of orchestrating a deliberate campaign aimed at discrediting the traditional institution. According to the statement, the allegations form part of a broader attempt by vested interests to undermine ongoing land recovery efforts.
It further claimed that those behind the accusations were beneficiaries of past irregular and allegedly corrupt land transactions involving communal property.
“The wave of negative publicity is neither spontaneous nor genuine,” the statement noted, adding that the claims—including extreme allegations of kidnapping and murder—were baseless and intended to tarnish the monarch’s reputation.
Legal Backing for Land Recovery Efforts
Highlighting its efforts to restore order in land administration, the palace revealed that it has secured multiple court victories affirming its authority over disputed lands.
Among them is a judgment in Suit No. O/5/2006, which led to the recovery of 1,349 hectares of land following the execution of a Warrant of Possession in September 2025.
Additionally, a separate ruling in Suit No. O/50/2021 reaffirmed the Obi’s control over 900 hectares located behind Delta State Polytechnic, resolving disputes involving private developers.
Commitment to Lawful Processes and Community Development
The monarch also dismissed claims that farmers had been harassed or forcibly evicted, insisting that all actions taken regarding land disputes followed due legal procedures.
The palace emphasized that the recovered lands are being preserved for public use, including healthcare facilities, schools, industrial projects, and agricultural development.
Ongoing Legal Battles and Assurance to Residents
The statement disclosed that legal action is currently ongoing in Suit No. O/163/2025 to challenge what it described as an unauthorized transfer of communal land linked to a government official.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the palace assured residents that all actions are guided by law and aimed at protecting the long-term interests of the Ogwashi-Uku people.
