The Obunze of Ishiakpe Village, Onicha-Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Alex Odih has said that the community lands were not for sale.
The Obunze represented by the Regent of the community, Chief Sam Odih made this statement yesterday at the general conference held at the Ogwa Obunze of the community to address the escalating issue of land grabbers.
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The conference which convened members and leaders of Ishiakpe was sparked by the discovery that certain community members led by the delegated Onihe of Ishiakpe, Chief Peter Ogana had purportedly signed an irrevocable Power of Attorney granting them the authority to sell community lands independently, without the consent of community leaders.
In his words, “This is a direct challenge to our longstanding customs and the authority vested in our traditional leadership. The Obunze has not authorised any such Power of Attorney. Our lands are our heritage and not for sale.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Land Committee of Ishiakpe, Mr Sunday Nwabueze, who spoke to The Pointer condemned the actions of Chief Peter Ogana and Chief Jerry Nkweweshe, declaring it a “clear violation of the community’s rights and interests” adding that the committee has no hand in it.
Also speaking, a founding member of Ishiekpe Pro- gressives, Dr Samuel Onwordi, decried their actions saying, “As the largest landowner in Olona, Ishiekpe Community’s lands are now vulnerable due to this irrevocable power of attorney.
“It’s alarming that Chief Peter Ogana, the delegate Onihe of Ishiekpe village, has entrusted this power to notorious land grabber, Chief Jerry Nkweweshe, bypassing our traditional leadership.
“We emphatically state that our lands are not for sale, and if we ever considered it, we would appoint trustworthy trustees. Despite repeated invitations to community meetings and this conference, they have refused to attend.
“We are now seeking legal action to nullify this unauthorized power of attorney and protect our ancestral lands.”
A member of the community, Mr. Mike Eziafa lamented the devastating impact of the land contentions on the youth. “These land grabbers have been terrorizing and recruiting our young people, forcing them to participate in their illegal activities. Those who refuse are arrested and intimidated, with some even forced to flee and hide in the bush for days.”
