Ogwashi-Uku Palace Rejects Allegations as Recycled Falsehoods
The palace of His Majesty, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State has dismissed renewed allegations of murder, kidnapping, and criminal conviction against the monarch. In a statement issued on Saturday, May 16, the Palace Communications Directorate described the claims as recycled falsehoods that had been previously examined and discredited by the Delta State Government's commission of inquiry.
The Palace stated that the latest allegations circulating online are part of a coordinated campaign by individuals linked to past communal land transactions in the kingdom. The resurgence of these accusations follows intensified efforts by the kingdom to recover large tracts of communal land allegedly encroached upon or unlawfully sold over the years.
Land Recovery Drive at Centre of Tensions
According to the statement, more than 2,800 hectares of land have been recovered through court processes. The Palace emphasized that these actions are aimed at restoring communal ownership and protecting ancestral assets. It argued that the renewed accusations are intended to undermine ongoing legal and administrative efforts tied to land recovery.
The Palace referenced earlier proceedings before the state's Commission of Inquiry, where similar allegations were raised and dismissed. It also cited several court rulings that affirmed its position as custodian of communal land in the kingdom. Among the rulings listed are Suit No. O/5/2006, related to the recovery of about 1,349 hectares previously associated with a proposed university project, and Suit No. O/50/2021, which reaffirmed control over about 900 hectares near Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. Another case, Suit No. O/163/2025, is currently before the court as part of ongoing disputes over land ownership and control.
Palace Denies Land Sales to Foreign Interests
The Palace also rejected allegations made by social media activist Victor Ojei, also known as Wong Box, that communal lands were sold to foreign nationals. It confirmed that legal action has been initiated against him for alleged cyberstalking and defamation, and the matter is now before the courts. The statement maintained that recovered lands are being reserved for public benefit, including hospitals, schools, agricultural schemes, and industrial development. It also claimed that nearly 2,000 indigenes have benefited from free land allocations under the current land recovery programme.
The Palace reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and said it will not be deterred by what it called sponsored propaganda or misinformation campaigns. It urged the public to disregard the allegations, insisting that the reforms are aimed at safeguarding communal heritage for future generations.
