Nelson Utip
HRM (Dr) Ifechukwude Okonjo, The Obi of Okwashi-Ukwu says the crisis rocking Otulu Community in Delta State is caused by a “faceless group” of mischievous residents parading themselves as leaders of what they termed the “Autonomous
Community of Otulu” which is non existent in the state.
“It is ridiculous and unheard of that a few unruly individuals would be for mentioning trouble with the hope of hand-twisting the government to concede an illegal position to them as so-called traditional rulers overnight.” Obi Okonjo said.
In reaction to the recent protest and press briefing by a group who claim to be “United And Concerned Indigenes” of Otulu Community and fighting for their court-recognised autonomous traditional status, Ngozi Chukura, counsel to the Ogwashi-
Uku Kingdom and Prince Onyeama Okonjo Ina Media chat in Asaba called on law- abiding Otulu residents and the general public to disregard gimmicks of the group.
“We wish to categorically state that the five individuals shown in their recent publication are not from Otulu Ogwashi-Uku, a recognised part of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. While it would normally be unnecessary to respond to such fabrications,
we feel it is important to set the record straight for the benefit of the wider public.
“Otulu Ogwashi-Uku is, and will always remain an integral part of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. This fact is undisputed, as confirmed by the historical documents and official gazettes from the Western Region, Bendel State, and Delta State.
Furthermore, the Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs and the Aniocha South Local Government Area have both verified this reality.
“The current traditional Chief of Otulu Ogwashi-Uku (Anthony Enurah) was duly appointed by His Majesty, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, and this appointment has been officially recognized and confirmed by the Delta State Government. The Chief’s status has also been duly recorded in the state’s official gazette.
“The public is hereby advised to disregard the misleading statements made by individuals who are known to be connected with persons currently facing trial for inciting security disturbances in Otulu Ogwashi-Uku. Many of these individuals were
only recently released on bail from the Federal Correctional Centre in Ogwashi-Uku.
“It has come to our attention that the author of their press release, who hails from Aniocha North Local Government Area, has been using the names of prominent government figures to bolster their false claims. Their ultimate objective is to plunge
Otulu back into the dark days of criminality and unrest.
“We reiterate that these allegations are without merit. Otulu remains an essential part of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, and the attempts by these individuals to spread disinformation and provoke communal discord are destined to fail. Obi of Ogwashi-
Uku cannot and will confiscate land that lawfully belongs to the Ogwashi-Uku community under his stewardship.” Chukura said.
