Okpanam, Delta State – Leaders, youths, and elders of the Ogbodogba community in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, have expressed gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for clarifying portions of land recently de-acquired and returned to the community.
The event, which brought together political leaders, youth representatives, and traditional authorities, was described as an important step toward resolving long-standing land disputes and promoting peace in the area.
Speaking at the gathering, Hon. Tony Odih, a former Councillor of Ward 9 and former Senior Special Assistant on Intelligence Gathering to ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, explained why the meeting was necessary.
“For some time now, part of our land has been taken by the government for development,” he said. “But we recently heard that some of it has been de-acquired. The challenge has been that we don’t yet know the exact boundaries of the returned land. That is why we are here today—to receive clarification and to thank our Governor for this decision.”
Odih stressed that proper clarification would help guide community members, especially the youths, to avoid disputes. “When issues are not clear, doubts and conflicts arise. This step will remove uncertainties,” he added.
Comrade Benjamin Onochie, a youth leader from the community, also praised the government. “We are especially grateful for providing the proper coordinates so that everyone understands the affected areas,” he said. “As peace-loving youths, we stand firmly behind Governor Oborevwori for remembering our community.”
In his remarks, Comrade Christopher Agali, an APC chieftain and former youth chairman of the community, highlighted the importance of the intervention.
“This is about land that was wrongly sold in the past,” he noted. “The government has stepped in to correct this by returning the land to its rightful owners. We also make it clear to those who may have bought land illegally that this land belongs to the Ogbodogba community.”
He further urged the government to continue resolving land disputes across Delta State, pointing out that illegal land grabs have been a major cause of conflict in many communities.
Comrade Monday Okim Ujeze, Vice Chairman of the community, also spoke, describing the clarification as “a noble effort.” He commended the Governor for tackling the activities of land grabbers and giving the land back to its rightful owners.
The Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Mbanefo Michael Ogbolu, gave his blessing and appealed for peace among community members and their neighbours.
“Our forefathers fought with courage, even taking this matter to the Supreme Court in 1966 where they won,” he recalled. “But along the way, bitterness crept in. I appeal to you all—let us restore our bonds of brotherhood. Let our children inherit peace, not strife.”
The leaders and youths present all thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his intervention and pledged continued cooperation with the government. They agreed that the clarification on de-acquired land was not just about ownership, but also about ensuring peace, unity, and development in Okpanam and beyond.
