The land dispute between Issele-Azagba in Aniocha North Local Government Area and Ogbeozoma community in Okpanam, Oshimili North, has taken a new twist, as leaders of Issele-Azagba have countered the claims earlier made by Okpanam leaders regarding the recent government boundary demarcation.
During a press briefing on Monday, September 21, 2025, at the Issele-Azagba town hall, community leaders accused their Okpanam counterparts of spreading misinformation about the true boundary lines, while insisting that the land in question rightfully belongs to them.
Okpanam’s Position
Last week, the Ikejiani I of Okpanam and spokesperson of the Ogbeozoma community, Chief Felix Okafor, called on the Delta State government to revisit the boundary demarcation. He argued that the new survey carried out by government officials placed the boundary outside the area both communities have been contesting.
According to Okafor, the demarcation was “wrong and out of place,” adding that it amounted to encroachment on Ogbeozoma’s ancestral land. He further claimed that “land grabbers” were taking advantage of the situation and accused the Surveyor-General of bias, calling for the use of GPS technology to determine the actual boundary.
Community members, including youth leader Stephen Ifesindi, also expressed suspicion of partiality, alleging that personal relationships may have influenced the outcome of the demarcation exercise.
Issele-Azagba’s Counterclaim
But at their press briefing, leaders of Issele-Azagba firmly rejected Okpanam’s version of events.
The Diokpa of Akpoma Quarter, Mr Dominic Amaechi Mokogwu, traced the crisis back to the year 2000, when, according to him, Issele-Azagba farmers were attacked, their crops destroyed, and two men — Joe Ugbo and Augustine Usiagwu — were killed. “Even the clothes they wore, we could not trace them,” Mokogwu said. “That was when the government intervened and promised to create a boundary. But it is wrong for Ogbeozoma to say the government has already given them our land.”
He admitted that although Issele-Azagba was not fully satisfied with the new demarcation, the community accepted it in the interest of peace. Their “true boundary,” he said, is at Anikpo.
Community Spokesperson Speaks
Supporting this account, Hon. Augustine Iyk Ijeh, spokesperson of Issele-Azagba, said the dispute only began in 2000, when “land became money” following Asaba’s designation as state capital.
Before then, he said, both communities lived peacefully, even intermarrying. But after violence broke out, lives were lost, and many farmers could no longer visit their lands.
He explained that the Delta State government, through a Land Boundary Adjustment Committee headed by Deputy Governor Chief Monday Onyeme, had conducted several meetings, physical inspections, and documentation exercises. While Issele-Azagba presented survey plans and evidence, he alleged that Ogbeozoma backed out of the final inspection.
“When the committee finally went to the site, Ogbeozoma failed to show up. We took the government officials and security agents to make our case. Weeks later, government officials carried out their own demarcation. We were warned not to be present during the exercise, and the same warning was issued to Ogbeozoma. Yet, before the results were announced, they went to the media claiming foul play,” Ijeh stated.
Sacred Sites in Dispute
Ijeh further raised concerns that the current demarcation, if allowed to stand, would hand over important ancestral sites — such as the Iririokwu, Anezor, and Ogwugwu shrines — to Ogbeozoma. He also pointed to the Anikpo area, which he said has long been recognised as part of Issele-Azagba.
“As recently as March 24, 2025, during the opening of the Second Niger Bridge, the President-General of Issele-Azagba Development Union, Elder Pat Isichiel, was called to represent the community because that land belongs to us. Even the Aniocha North chairman made presentations there. So, how did Ogbeozoma suddenly claim ownership?” he asked.
Call for Peace and Government Action
Despite their grievances, Issele-Azagba leaders stressed that they remain committed to peace and law and order. “Our question is simple: how did Ogbeozoma get to know the government’s boundary outcome before it was officially released? Were they part of the government team?” Ijeh asked.
The leaders urged the Delta State government to ensure fairness in the process and called for lasting peace between the two neighbouring communities.
Watch the full press briefing:
