BY CHIKA KWAMBA
History will forever be kind to those who fought and yearn for peace for the co-existence of the people and realigning the path of unity. But, beyond the desire lies the place where peace and reconciliation were birthed.
The Oshimili South Local Government Secretariat, recently transcended its roles as a mere administrative hub; it became a symbol of unity, governance, and communal harmony, bridging the divide for long-separated years of silence and strained relations.
Just as dates of birth mark milestones in human life, October 10, 2025, stands as a historic day for the people of the Asaba and Oko communities’ long-standing disputes. Now, should the Oshimili Secretariat then be called a peaceful oasis? Perhaps yes, for within its walls that fateful afternoon, the spirit of peace and progress found a home.
The atmosphere was tense and yet hopeful as chiefs, traditional rulers and elders from Asaba and Oko filed into the Oshimili South Secretariat hall, their faces solemn in expectation for peace and reconciliation for brotherliness to return to both communities.
As they say, no price is too great for peace. Peace is not a sign of weakness; it is the strength of a people who understand their shared destiny. This day, history watched closely as the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Dr Kelvin Ezeyinli, set the pace for peace after nine years of a standoff between the monarchs of Asaba and Oko, both in Oshimili South Local Area. Peace finally returned, opening a new vista for the cooperation, growth and sustainable development between the two communities.
The now-resolved conflict between both monarchs stemmed from an agreeable sharing formula of stipends, an issue that led to almost a decade of court litigations and appeals. After a series of attempts to address the impasse by various administrations, success finally broke through on October 10, 2025, at the reconciliation meeting convened by Dr Ezenyili.
In his address, Dr Ezenyili expressed fulfilment in resolving the longstanding issue that pitched both communities against each other, even as he underscored the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
In his words, “Today marks an epoch-turning event in Oshimili South Local Government Area with the amicable reconciliation of both Royal Majesties of Asaba and Oko Kingdoms. Without an iota of doubt, I certainly believe I am the happiest person amongst us all.
“The prolonged legal battle between our royal majesties dates back to 2016 with a series of injunctions, judgments, appeals and cross-appeals lasting for almost a decade. Let me reiterate here that the right to seek redress in a court of law is undoubtedly a civil right for every aggrieved person and should be exhausted.
“However, considering the bigger picture, I implore every civic community to embrace the approach of conflict mediation and resolution as this promotes economic development, increases interpersonal relationships, and exchange of ideas rather than conflicts. It is always best to open channels for honest conversations where grievances can be aired and solutions found together.
“As the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, I had, in my own calm and sober state, reflected on the communal and harmonious relationship that once existed in time past that had resulted in intermarriages and trading amongst people from these two communities. This propelled me on the quest to ensure this long-lasting dispute is resolved right from my first tenure as chairman in 2021.
“The route for the amicable resolution of the prolonged dispute between our royal majesties, as earlier stated, began in my first tenure as executive chairman, where I made promises during my campaigns to engage in the process of mediation, which initiative yielded little or no result but culminated in my second tenure with the result of what we are witnessing today.
‘’At this juncture, I wish to appreciate His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, who permitted me to embark on this second voyage of reconciliation, which exercise has resulted in a significant milestone in the history of Oshimili South. On behalf of the people of Oshimili South Local Government Area, I say thank you, Your Excellency.
“Let me sincerely use this medium to applaud both royal majesties for the spirit of reciprocity displayed during mediation and reconciliation. My gratitude also goes to the Palace Chiefs and everyone involved in the process for sheathing their swords. Above all, I wish to appreciate the Almighty God for using me as a viable tool in brokering peace in Oshimili South. My prayer is that the peace will be enduring”
He concluded by presenting the statement of accounts for the monthly stipends of traditional rulers in Oshimili South and the total sum accruing to both royal majesties and their chiefs from the period the council approved the opening of a special account to preserve subject matter. This has become imperative as it evidences accountability and transparency on the part of the council.
The cumulative total preserved by the council in the special account as at September, is a total sum of N522,797,882.57 (Five Hundred and Twenty Two Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty Two Naira, Fifty Seven Kobo), even as the chairman said, ‘’Original copies of these documents will be handed over to the parties for assessment. Also, to the good people of Oshimili South for the trust reposed in me to serve in this capacity.’’
Responding, the 14th Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge commended the Oshimili South Local Government Chairman for the brave and bold steps in brokering peace of the nearly decade¬-long misunderstanding between the Asagba of Asaba and the Akor of Oko kingdom.
According to HRM Azinge, ”So, it wasn’t an easy process. I must also appreciate all those who were here from time to time: representatives of both kingdoms meeting with the chairman and management of the council to try to harmonise things and come to a conclusion.
‘’I believe that gave us the working document and brought us to the point that led us to take these decisions. Also, the council and both sides, those who also gave their time and energy trying reconciliation through the court process, which is acceptable as part of a dispute resolution mechanism.
“The good thing is that there was an open mind and the desire to get into the Yes, as we normally see in mediation. When you are a mediator, all your effort is to get to a yes-yes by the parties. Yes, meaning that voluntarily, the parties have decided to agree. That is what yes means in the context.
“Chairman, you have shown a lot of integrity. What we have seen from the documentation and presentation, I pray that history will be kind to you when this story is told, when the matter is revisited, that you stuck out your neck diligently and assiduously brought this matter to a conclusion.
‘’Let me make this point, there has never been a dispute between the two kingdoms, perhaps a misunderstanding as far as stipends are concerned. But we never imagined that it translated to a dispute between the two kingdoms. I never saw it that way, and I believe that my predecessor, the 13th Asagba of Asaba, the late Prof Chike Edozien, never saw it that way.
‘’Perhaps proceeding on principle, there are some issues that need to be resolved, but it never translated to a dispute between the people of Asaba and Oko. We remain brothers and sisters, we remain inexplicably intertwined as part and parcel of Oshimili South, and we will continue to come together in peace and harmony to ensure that we cohabit as one and critical stakeholders.
In the same vein, the Akor of Oko Kingdom, HRM (Engr) Osita Onwuka, aligned with the submissions of the Asaba monarch. ”I simply support what the Asagba of Asaba has said. Reconciliation and unity are paramount for the peaceful development of our communities. I thank God for this peaceful talk, and I appreciate everyone’s contribution towards this landmark and historical meeting.’’
Remarking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Godwin Uzor said, ”We are happy today that these issues have been laid to rest.
‘’My profound appreciation goes to the two traditional rulers who devoted their time to accepting the peace talk. Also, to our peace-loving governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for his zero tolerance for crisis in the state, which has been one of the bedrocks of the MORE Agenda.
