- As Ogwashi–Uku Panel Of Inquiry Submits Report
BY SUNDAY EGEDE
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, charged traditional and religious leaders as well as political and community leaders in the state to take the lead in dousing tension in their respective communities by advocating peace, harmony and peaceful co-existence.
Governor Oborevwori gave the charge at Government House, Asaba, while receiving the report of the Commission of Inquiry on Ogwashi-Uku kingdom, Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the Delta of our dreams has no room for bitterness and bigotry, adding that every Deltan should be committed to loving others, respecting one another and be tolerant of one another.
“I wish to reiterate my earlier charge that 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.
“We must learn to be our brothers’ keeper. This is one of the pathways to ensuring enhanced peace and security as enshrined in the MORE Agenda,” the Governor added.
He disclosed that the setting up of the Commission of Inquiry in October last year became necessary to ascertain the root causes of the seemingly intractable land disputes and violence, which over time, resulted in several loss of lives and wanton destruction of property.
This, he said, culminated in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the area, pointing out that, in situations like this, the local economy could be under threat.
While applauding the chairman and members of the commission of inquiry for their sacrifice, dedication to duty and sense of responsibility, he said the state government owe them a debt of gratitude for accepting to undertake the assignment at the expense of their time, convenience and comfort.
Governor Oborevwori recalled that the commission was mandated 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;
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; and the immediate and remote cause(s) of the community unrest in Ogwashi-Uku kingdom and to recommend appropriate action(s) for the resolution of the crises in the Ogwashi-Uku kingdom and neighbouring communities.
“I am before you today filled with optimism as I receive this Commission of Inquiry report on the kingship/land ownership disputes within the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, as well as between the Ogwashi-Uku kingdom and some of its neighbouring Communities, namely Ibusa, Otulu, Ubulu-Okiti, Okpanam, Olodu, Ewulu, Azagba-Ogwashi, Aboh-Ogwashi and Olloh-Ogwashi Communities.
“The setting up of this Commission of Inquiry in October last year became necessary to ascertain the root causes of the seemingly intractable land disputes and violence, which over time, resulted in several loss of lives and wanton destruction of property “I have no doubt that your findings will give us profound insights into the genesis of the protracted crises, and provide the road map towards achieving our goal of peace and security not just in Ogwashi-Uku and environs, but also the entire state,” he said. The Governor reiterated his appeal to the feuding communities to give peace a chance and embrace the spirit of harmony, cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
He assured the people of Ogwashi-Uku and environs that the State Government would immediately commence the study of the report with a view to issuing a white paper on it (the report) as soon as possible.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ejiro Nina Emudainohwo, had said after an extensive review of historical records, evidence from indigenous and contending parties from Ogwashi-Uku and key stakeholders, a thorough examination of prevailing customary practices, the Commission compiled its findings and recommendations that it believed, will provide a structure and equitable frame work for governance and land administration in Ogwashi-Uku.
Justice Emudainohwo listed the key recommendations of the Commission to include codification of the succession procedure to the throne of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku to prevent issues and ensure smooth transition in leadership; codification of the Ogwashi-Uku customary laws on the conferment of clan Chiefs and Okwabanis; definition of the functions, hierarchy and reporting lines of the traditional chieftency titles and recognition of the rights to self-determination and due process.
“The key recommendations of this report are as follows: Codification of the succession procedure to the throne of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku to prevent issues and ensure smooth transition in leadership. We recommend that the Delta State government codify the customary procedure for the succession of the throne. This will provide clarity and legal backing to the traditional process while preserving the cultural heritage of the people. “Codification of the Ogwashi-Uku customary laws on the conferment of clan Chiefs and Okwabanis. Given the importance of these positions in traditional governance structures and administration of land in Ogwashi-Uku, we recommend that the appointment process be documented through written declarations to prevent disputes, ambiguity and usurpation of the customs and traditions in the procedure of the appointment of Chiefs and Okwabanis.
“Definition of the functions, hierarchy and reporting lines of the traditional chieftaincy titles. The roles of the Okuabanis and other registered traditional chieftaincy titles should be clearly spelt out in a formal document. This will establish a well-defined hierarchy and reporting structure that promotes peace and order, respect and accountability within the traditional institution.
“Recognition of the rights to self-determination and due process. In line with global best practice, communities that seek self-determination or autonomy should not be suppressed but rather guided to follow due legal and administrative processes. This will foster harmony and prevent unnecessary conflicts,” she added. The Chairman of the Commission pointed out that the recommendations, if adopted and implemented, will not only bring lasting peace to Ogwashi-Uku but will, also, serve as a model to conflict resolution in other traditional communities facing similar problems.
“We believe that a properly codified and respected traditional institution will enhance governance at the grassroots level, preserve the rich cultural heritage of the people and promote sustainable development,” Justice Emudainohwo said.
