Land dispute: Stakeholders hail court ruling, urge respect for Ogwashi-Uku’s territorial boundaries
Stakeholders in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom have welcomed the ruling of the Delta State High Court in the long-running land dispute between the kingdom and the Esemese community of Ibusa, describing the judgment “as a victory for justice and the rule of law.”
The stakeholders said the decision, which declined the principal application by the Esemese community seeking to execute an earlier judgment, has strengthened confidence in the judicial process and safeguarded the territorial interests of the kingdom.
Reacting to the development, the Chief of Aboh Ogwashi-Uku, Chief Barrister Jude Obidi, described the ruling as a landmark decision that reaffirmed the principle that court judgments must only be enforced within the boundaries of the land actually litigated.
According to him, the judgment reinforces the position that the boundary between Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa remains the Oboshi River, pending the determination of the substantive boundary suit before the Delta State High Court.
Obidi commended the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, for pursuing the matter through lawful and constitutional means, saying the monarch’s commitment has protected the kingdom’s territorial integrity.
He noted that the ruling would have far-reaching implications for future attempts to enforce the earlier judgment, particularly in relation to areas around Admiralty University, which he said remain subject to the pending boundary litigation.
Also reacting, the Chief of Staff to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Prince Onyema Okonjo, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a positive development for the kingdom.
He urged residents and neighbouring communities to respect the judicial process and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions while the substantive boundary dispute remains before the court.
Prince Okonjo stressed that the palace would continue to pursue all legal remedies available to protect the kingdom’s interests, including seeking appellate review where necessary, while warning against trespassing on lands claimed by the kingdom.
The stakeholders expressed optimism that the pending boundary suit would finally bring lasting clarity to the territorial boundaries between Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa, thereby promoting peace and harmonious coexistence between the neighbouring communities.