- Inaugurates Commission Of Inquiry Into Ogwashi-Uku Land Disputes
- Suspends Clan Chiefs
- Reaffirms Commitment to Judicial Autonomy, As New Legal Year Begins
BY SAM DUVWODE
The Delta State Government, yesterday, inaugurated members of the Commission of Inquiry into Boundary Disputes and Communal clashes in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and neighbouring communities.
Those inaugurated into the Commission of Inquiry include; Hon. Justice Ejiro Emudaino as Chairman, while the members are; Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoritsedere Awosika, Dr. (Pharm.) Paul Enebeli, Prof. Andrew Onokerhoraye, DCP Charles Dike, Barr. Moses Namo, as well as Barr. Gabriel Ikemefuna Eze-Owenz who will serve as member/Secretary.
Delivering the inaugural address at Government House, Asaba, the Delta State, Acting Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, noted that the state government will stop at nothing to ensure that it nips in the bud anything that will destabilise the state and truncate its developmental aspirations.
According to him; “It is with a heavy heart that I address you this morning. In recent weeks, the usually peaceful community of Ogwashi-Uku has been embroiled in internal crises bordering on land ownership tussle.
“Tragically, lives and property have been lost in the ensuing conflicts that defies common sense and logic. The matter was extensively and exhaustively deliberated upon in the last State Security Council meeting and the outcome of that meeting is why we are here today”. Sir Onyeme noted that, the Commission of Inquiry has been mandated to investigate the matter, unravel the remote and immediate causes of the crises, and make appropriate recommendations that will engender lasting peace.
Sir Onyeme said; “As you all may be aware, Enhanced Peace and Security is one of the cardinal programmes of this administration’s MORE agenda. So, we will stop at nothing to ensure that we nip in the bud anything that will destabilise the state and truncate our developmental aspirations. Having examined the facts of the disputes as presented by the contending parties and stakeholders, the State Security Council resolved to constitute a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the matter, unravel the remote and immediate causes of the crises, and make appropriate recommendations that will engender lasting peace”.
The Acting Governor said the terms of reference for the Commission, as resolved by the council, is to Investigate petitions received from the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and other persons bordering on disputes relating to kingship and land ownership within Ogwashi-Uku kingdom; the disputes between the Ogwashi-Uku kingdom and other neighbouring communities, to wit: Ibusa, Otulu, Ubulu-Okiti, Okpanam, Olodu, Ewulu, Azagba-Ogwashi, Aboh-Ogwashi, Olloh-Ogwashi on land ownership;
To inquiry whether the procedure for appointment of all clan chiefs (Okwabanis) in Ogwashi-Uku kingdom is in accordance with extant Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law? To identify the principal actors behind the community unrests; the immediate and remote cause(s) of the community unrest in Ogwashi-Uku kingdom; and any other matter or petition concerning any person, community or institution relevant to the inquiry.
Sir Onyeme noted that the commission is to recommend appropriate action (s) for the resolution of the crises in the Ogwashi-Uku kingdom and neighbouring communities. To formulate recommendations on steps to be taken with a view to guaranteeing that the authors of the Community unrests are held accountable for their acts.
According to him; “Pursuant to the above objectives, the activities of all clan chiefs (Okwabanis) installed in the affected areas and beyond by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku have been suspended pending the outcome of the proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry. For the avoidance of doubt, the affected areas are lbusa, Otulu, Ubulu-Okiti, Okpanam, Olodu, Ewulu, Azagba- Ogwashi, Aboh- Ogwashi, and Olloh- Ogwashi Communities.”
“However, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku shall continue to administer his kingdom with respect to all traditional matters, while the security of lives and properties would be handled by the security agencies”.
Sir Onyeme while expressing government confident in the ability of members of Commission of Inquiry to act independently and dispassionately, urge all clan heads, chiefs, relevant stakeholders, and residents of the affected communities to give them the necessary support and cooperation to enable them get to the root of the matter and make appropriate recommendations to government within the shortest possible time. Sir Onyeme, appealed to all to be their brothers’ keeper and urged them to always pursue the path of dialogue adding that discretion is the better part of valour.
“No war has ever been won on the battlefield but resolved on the negotiating table. So, I plead with us to exercise restraint in our utterances and actions, and let love lead. We must bear in mind that money, resources, energy, and time that would otherwise have been invested in meaningful development projects will be channelled to crisis management each time there is a breach of the peace resulting in violence and death”. “The Delta of our dreams has no room for bitterness and bigotry. We must commit ourselves to loving one another, respecting one another, and being tolerant of one another. Our traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, and community leaders must take the lead in dousing tension in our communities; they should be advocates of peace, harmony, and peaceful co-existence.” Sir Onyeme concluded by saying; “The worst thing that can happen is for a leader to fan the embers of division and disunity as we have seen lately with some misguided individuals. Our people deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams of happiness and prosperity in an environment of peace, security, safety, justice, mutual respect, and cooperation”.
Responding on behalf of members of the Commission of Inquiry, the Chairman Hon. Justice Ejiro Emudainowho, assured that the trust placed on members of the commission to investigate the crises and bring forth meaningful recommendations for lasting peace is one that will not be taken lightly. According to her; “As a Commission composed of individuals with diverse expertise, but a shared commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, we shall be guided solely by the principles of truth, justice, and equity. We are determined to provide a thorough, unbiased and diligent inquiry into the remote and immediate causes of the conflicts, taking into account all perspectives, grievances, historical contexts and judicial decisions, if any”.
Justice Emudainowho, while extending the commission’s appreciation to Governor Oborevwori, for his confidence in the members of this Commission, assured that members of the Commission of Inquiry will work with due diligence and timeliness, without sacrificing the depth of its investigations.
… Reaffirms Commitment to Judicial Independence
- As New Legal Year Begins
BY SAM DUVWODE/PATRICK MGBODO
Meanwhile, the Delta State legal community, yesterday, commenced the 2024/25 legal year, with the state government reiterating its unwavering commitment to upholding a free and independent judiciary.
Speaking at a special court session in Asaba, the Acting Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, noted that Delta was one of the first states in the federation to pass the Judicial (Financial) Autonomy Bill into law and has since ensured its implementation.
He continued, “We have also, taken necessary steps to ensure that our judges and other personnel involved in the dispensation of justice, operate in conducive and enabling environments by providing necessary tools and infrastructures that befit and complement the functionality of their offices.”
While congratulating the Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon Justice Theresa Diei and all members of the legal community at the beginning of the New Legal Year, the acting Governor urged the judiciary to ensure that justice was served promptly and efficiently.
“We should always be conscious that our society can only be great when the rule of law prevails, and it is my earnest expectation that we put our hands on this deck to make things work as they should.
Earlier, the Chief Judge, Hon Justice Theresa Diai, said the opening of the legal year ceremony offers the Judiciary the opportunity for self-appraisal and dissemination of information regarding its activities in the preceding year.
Hon Justice Diai added that the ceremony also features the renewal of the bond of fellowship between the Bench and the Bar and the convivial interface and expression of camaraderie among judges.
‘’The duty of taking the judiciary to greater heights is a collective one.
‘’We need the intergovernmental cooperation, synergy and harmony which are vital for the growth and development of any state or organization. The Bar should also be at the vanguard for the defence of the independence of the Judiciary’’ Hon Justice Diai said. Remarking, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN, identified significant strides in the reformation of the state’s justice system under the Oborevwori administration. Speaking for the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Albert Akpomudje called for improved welfare packages especially for members of the lower bench, even as he suggested a more robust and unbiased approach to the appointment of judicial officers. Similarly, the Bar, represented by the Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Asaba Branch, Paul Maduemezia called on all stakeholders to strive for an environment that fosters collaboration and contributes to the growth of the legal profession.
At a special thanksgiving Mass to commence the new legal year in the state, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Elue, commended the Judiciary for recognizing that God is an impartial Judge.
