By Ifeanyi Onyejeke
Leaders of Egbokodo-Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State have raised alarm over an alleged encroachment of their community lands at Ugbomije and Ugogoegin by their Iffiekporo neighbours.
In a press conference by the Olaranja of Egbokodo Itsekiri community, Chief Atiwa Amanoritsewor, the Egbokodo-Itsekiri indigenes berated Iffiekporo community for carrying out a groundbreaking ceremony on the lands which have been in dispute since 1956.
Stating that the Ugbomije and Ugogoegin lands belong to the Egbokodo Itsekiri community, Olaranja of Egbokodo Itsekiri community Chief Atiwa Amanoritsewor displayed pictorial evidence to support his claims.
Chief Amanoritsewor who spoke through Pastor Michael Ewetan stated that Egbokodo Itsekiri community is a peaceful community that loves to witness development but berated Iffiekporo Community for performing a groundbreaking ceremony on a land they knew does not belong to them.
He appealed to Delta State Governor, Rt Honorable Sheriff Oborevwori, the Chairman of Warri South Local Government, Comrade Weiyimi Agbateyiniro and other relevant agencies in the state to call to order Iffiekporo indigenes to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Former Chairman of Egbokodo Itsekiri Community Development Committee, Mr Canaan Ajagbawa, and other leaders of Egbokodo Itsekiri community, including Mr Richard Ajisha, Egbokodo Itsekiri Community Development Committee Vice chairman Mr Sunny Atiwa said it was their unanimous intention to engage relevant authority to see that the land issues are resolved amicably.
Others who spoke, including Egbokodo Itsekiri Community Development Committee Treasurer Eric Amorighoye and Egbokodo Itsekiri Community Youth Chairman Mr Emmanuel Ofioritse, amongst others, urged the youths to remain calm while peaceful negotiation goes on.
