BY LUCY EZELIORA
The peaceful community of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State was filled with emotion and solidarity yesterday as residents, youth leaders, elders, and community executives gathered at the Palace of the Ugoani of Okpanam, His Royal Majesty, Dr Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu to protest the incessant litigations and petitions filed against their traditional ruler.
The demonstrators, drawn from various quarters of the community, carried placards with varied inscriptions such as “Stop the False Petitions,” “Let Our King Reign in Peace,” and “Okpanam Stands with the Ugoani.” They sang songs of unity and peace, calling on the Delta State Government to intervene and bring an end to what they described as a “campaign of distraction” against their monarch.
Speaking during the demonstration, His Royal Majesty, Dr Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, expressed deep concern over the repeated litigations and false allegations aimed at discrediting his leadership. He explained that the crisis originated after the government acquired a portion of the Okpanam land for the expansion of the Asaba International Airport.
According to him, while the state government, under former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa handled the acquisition in good faith, some individuals within the community conspired to forge documents and signatures in an attempt to resell the same land. “These are people from Okpanam, but they have allowed greed to lead them into the illegal sale of our communal land,” the monarch stated.
“They have gone as far as falsifying documents and signatures—even that of our elders—to deceive the authorities. I have decided to go to court to prove my innocence and expose the truth. The government and the elders are aware that this land rightfully belongs to Okpanam.” He lamented that all internal mechanisms to resolve the matter had failed because the perpetrators were working with external influences. The monarch, however, maintained his fatherly stance, saying he still prayed for peace and reconciliation
“As a father, I want them to realise their wrongdoing, return home, seek forgiveness, and be reintegrated into the community. But until then, the law must take its course,” he added
In his remarks, the President-General, Okpanam Community, Dr, Paul Nwayalani recounted how the issue had lingered for years due to the actions of a few land speculators who connived with outsiders to exploit the community. He recalled that Okpanam once took legal action against the state government over non-compensation during the airport land acquisition, but later withdrew the case after assurances were given that part of the land would be returned to the community.
“We were assured that the land would be returned to Okpanam. Unfortunately, some selfish individuals secretly approached the government again to re-acquire the same land for personal gain,” he said.
“They forged documents, filed false petitions, and even dragged our monarch to court. I was arrested at one point simply because I exposed their fraudulent activities. But the truth will always stand. These people are rebels trying to tarnish our image and destroy our unity.”
He expressed confidence that the state government was aware of the true situation and called for the protection of the traditional institution “We are not against development. All we ask for is fairness and peace. Our monarch has always worked for the progress of Okpanam. These false litigations must stop,” he declared.
Also speaking, the Youth Chairman of Obodogba Quarters, Mr Chukwuma Agbamujor, echoed the frustrations of the younger generation, lamenting the repeated attempts to tarnish the image of the traditional ruler.
“Our king is a peaceful and loving man who has always had the interest of the community at heart. It is painful to see his name being dragged through petitions and false accusations,” he said. “The youths are not happy. We are tired of the endless court cases and police issues. We have chosen not to take the law into our own hands because we respect our culture and the law. But we are calling on both the Federal and State Governments to intervene and put an end to these malicious actions.”
He further described those fueling the conflict as “rebellious elements and land grabbers” who were bent on destabilizing the peace Okpanam has enjoyed for decades.
