The Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Dr Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, has warned members of the public against buying or acquiring portions of the Ani-Olu farmland across Anwai River, alleging that some individuals are illegally selling, leasing and granting portions of the land.
Ogbolu gave the warning on Friday a press conference at his palace in Okpanam, where he said the farmland belonged to Obodogwugwu Quarter and had not been partitioned among individuals.
He said any sale or transfer of interest in the land without the approval of the recognised community leadership was contrary to the customs of Okpanam.
The monarch said, “The Ani-Olu farmland, which situates across Anwai River at the Okpanam-Ugbolu road axis, belongs to Obodogwugwu Quarters, Okpanam.
“The said Ani-Olu land has not been partitioned or shared by Obodogwugwu Quarters to the constituent villages or individuals and, as such, no sale, lease, grant or any form of alienation of interest therein can be lawful without the consent of the Diokpa-Isi and heads of the other villages that make up Obodogwugwu Quarter.”
Ogbolu alleged that some members of Obodogwugwu had been partitioning and selling portions of the farmland to unsuspecting members of the public despite warnings from community leaders.
He said the alleged activities had contributed to tensions and violent clashes involving persons said to be from neighbouring Ugbolu Community.
The monarch recalled the killing of one Onyinye Onwuka from Obodogwugwu, which he said he reported to the Delta State Deputy Governor in a letter dated August 27, 2024.
“I do not pray for a repeat of that ugly incident,” he said.
Ogbolu also raised concerns over security in the Ani-Olu axis, alleging that renegade elements had previously facilitated the presence of suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra in the area.
He said the Delta State Government had helped restore security in the area but warned that the alleged illegal sale of communal land could threaten the peace.
On the proposed boundary between Obodogwugwu and Ugbolu communities, the monarch said Obodogwugwu had suspended plans to partition its farmland after learning that the Delta State Government was working towards establishing the boundary.
He alleged that some individuals subsequently invaded the area and began selling portions of the land despite community warnings and government processes.
The monarch urged prospective land buyers to exercise caution and verify the ownership and authority behind any transaction involving the Ani-Olu farmland.
He warned that the traditional leadership would not recognise transactions carried out in breach of Okpanam’s customs.
“I have the mandate of the Diokpa-Isi and principal elders of Obodogwugwu Community to warn the unsuspecting members of the public and their purported sellers of Ani-Olu land,” Ogbolu said.
“This is a promise by Okpanam Community, not a threat.”
He called on law enforcement agencies and members of the public to respect the ongoing government and traditional processes aimed at resolving the boundary and land issues, stressing the need to preserve peace in Okpanam and neighbouring communities.
