The Delta State Government’s Commission of Inquiry has cleared Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II of land grabbing, illegal demolition allegations following the presentation of certified evidence and rigorous cross-examination of witnesses opposing the palace.
The panel officially wrapped up its sittings, yesterday, having reviewed over 32 submissions from the public. On the final day, petitions were presented by representatives of the Azagba Ogwashi-Uku community and Apostle Emwenwa, who appeared on behalf of Mr. Chiedu Onwadiamu, currently on the run.
The Azagba Ogwashi-Uku community had accused Obi Okonjo of unlawfully bulldozing structures near Delta State Polytechnic.
During cross-examination, Pastor Adingupu, the community’s representative, conceded that the land in question was part of the 500 hectares legally allocated to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom through court rulings by Justice Theresa Diai, the current Chief Judge of Delta State.
Chike Onyemenam, counsel for the Obi, presented irrefutable evidence, including court judgments, a warrant of possession and a certificate of possession, to establish the rightful ownership of the land.
He further revealed that the immediate past Obi had earmarked the area for a proposed mega city, only for members of Azagba Ogwashi-Uku to unlawfully sell portions of it to traders. As evidenced, more than 120 fraudulent deeds of conveyance and applications for ratification from buyers were submitted to the Commission.
Pastor Adingupu, however, failed to produce any supporting documentation for his claims of land sales by the Obi.
In contrast, Onyemenam presented compelling evidence of the Obi’s efforts to reclaim Ogwashi-Uku communal lands from illegal encroachment.
Apostle Emwenwa, representing the fugitive Chiedu Onwadiamu, accused the Obi of kidnapping Ekene Ugbah.
However, when a recorded audio conversation was played to support this accusation, the translated content revealed no evidence of any wrongdoing.
Ngozi Chukura, counsel for Jude Obidi, effectively countered the allegations by presenting police investigation reports that identified Ekene Ugbah as a suspect in the murder of Chukwunweike Alao.
Certified documents from the Delta State Ministry of Justice further confirmed that those implicated in the crime were already facing trial at the High Court in Asaba.
In his concluding remarks, the Obi’s lawyer emphasised the complete lack of evidence supporting the allegations against His Majesty, describing them as part of a deliberate smear campaign.
He urged the commission to acknowledge that the Obi’s firm stance against land grabbing and illegal activities had made him a target for individuals intent on tarnishing his reputation.
The proceedings consistently revealed that the accusations against the Obi were without merit, with compelling evidence highlighting his dedication to preserving Ogwashi-Uku’s communal heritage. As the commission wraps up its work, it is clear that the allegations were orchestrated efforts to undermine a monarch committed to justice and the betterment of his community.