Fresh controversy has trailed claims by members of the Ibusa community alleging that a Supreme Court judgment conclusively determined the boundary between Ibusa and Ogwashi-Uku, as Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom has firmly denied the existence of any such judgment.
In a strongly worded reaction issued on Monday, the Palace Secretary to the Ogwashi-Uku Monarch Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi described the claim as “deeply misleading, legally irresponsible, and contrary to the ongoing judicial process.”
According to the statement, the boundary dispute between the two Delta State communities is presently before the Delta State High Court in Suit No. AKU/11/2024, presided over by Hon. Justice Obi in Court 4, Asaba Judicial Division.
“The Ibusa community has joined issues in the case. Both parties are before the court. The matter is actively being litigated, and we await the court’s determination,” the statement read.
The Kingdom maintained that if a Supreme Court judgment had indeed conclusively settled the boundary, there would be no pending litigation before the High Court. It is very unfortunate that the lawyer to the Ibusa community Barrister Lotaobi will appear at a protest to make such misleading claims. “
“It is therefore false and misleading to suggest that there exists a subsisting Supreme Court verdict governing the present dispute,” Ogwashi-Uku stated.
Matter Already Before Court
Observers note that the renewed tension followed a protest by members of the Ibusa community at Government House, Asaba, where placards claimed the existence of a Supreme Court verdict and demanded enforcement.
However, Ogwashi-Uku insists that the issues being canvassed publicly are the same issues currently before a competent court of law.
“The proper place for determination of boundary disputes is the courtroom — not the streets,” the statement emphasized.
Legal analysts warn that public agitation over matters already pending before a court risks undermining the judicial process.
River Oboshi Identified as Historic Boundary
Ogwashi-Uku reaffirmed that the historical and administrative boundary between the two communities remains River Oboshi, which also serves as the boundary between Aniocha South Local Government Area and Oshimili North Local Government Area.
“No amount of protest can alter geography,” the statement added.
Allegations of Forged Survey Plans
The Kingdom further alleged that questionable survey documents had recently surfaced in attempts to lay claim to lands that were never litigated.
According to the statement, such documents were allegedly designed to manufacture artificial disputes and escalate tensions.
Restraint Despite Provocations
Ogwashi-Uku also referenced past incidents of violence and encroachment, stating that despite killings of its members and repeated provocations, the community has exercised restraint and pursued remedies strictly through legal channels.
“We have consistently chosen the path of law and order,” the statement declared.
Admiralty University Location Also in Court
On the issue of the location of Admiralty University, Ogwashi-Uku disclosed that the matter is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja and will commence shortly.
“It is premature and improper for anyone to make definitive public declarations about the location of the University while the matter is awaiting judicial determination. The court will decide,” the statement said.
Call for Calm
The Ogwashi-Uku monarch commended the Delta State Government for urging calm and reiterated its commitment to peace.
“We will not litigate in the media. We will litigate in court. And we are confident that truth, evidence, and the law will prevail,” the statement concluded.
