TOWARDS engendering peace and security between the people of Okpanam kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area, and her Issele-Azagba neighbours, in Aniocha North Local Government Area, the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Chief Innocent Esewezie has promised to seek for amicable resolution of the boundary dispute between the sister communities.
Esewezie made the promise at an enlarged meeting, comprising the people of Ogbeozoma and Amachai quarters of Okpanam, held at the Palace of the Ugoani of Okpanam, His Majesty, Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu.
It was gathered that the meeting was convened by the royal father on the way forward in efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the lingering land dispute between the two quarters in Okpanam and Issele-Azagba community.
In his address, Esewezie commended the people of Okpanam for embracing the path of peacen, noting that if other leaders can emulate the Ugoani of Okpanam’s approach to issues, there will be less rancour in the local government area.
He expressed readiness for a lasting solution to the boundary dispute and called on Okpanam people to raise a four-man team to work with his office in projecting the interest of Okpanam, while promising to invite Okpanam to the next security meeting scheduled for Monday, August 12, 2024.
The LGA Boss assured the meeting that the local government authority will formally write a letter to the office of the Deputy Governor to seek permission to allow the Chairmen of the two local governments to meet with the Deputy Governor to find a lasting solution to the dispute.
While calling for the cessation of further activities on the land in dispute by members of the two communities, he urged the people of Okpanam to forward a petition on the matter to his office as soon as possible.
The Ugoani, His Majesty (Dr.) Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu in his speech, thanked Esewezie for honoring his invitation and for his interest in issues concerning Okpanam, as well as his readiness to ensure peace, security and development of the community.
Earlier in his speech, the Ikejiani of Okpanam kingdom, Chief Felix Okafor, had told the chairman that Ogbeozoma quarters, Okpanam and the people of Issele-Azagba have been living peacefully until land transactions became a lucrative business, which led to boundary skirmishes between the two communities.
Okafor noted that both parties know the boundary between them but because of pecuniary interests, the Issele-Azagba people are now encroaching on their land with the connivance of a prominent hotelier of South East extraction living in Asaba.
Also speaking, Amachai spokesman, Prof. Joe Okolie, explained that Amachai and Ogbe-Utu quarters, Issele-Azagba have been in court and there was a court judgement in their favour in 2000, which stands till date, stressing that though the matter was referred to the office of the Deputy Governor, Amachai’s position is that the court judgement should be executed based on the litigation survey plan.
