By Paul Olayemi

Sapele – A heated land dispute between the Ugbekoko community and the Sapele Okpe community of Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State, has taken a dramatic turn following a press release by the Ugbekoko leadership. The community refuted claims made by the Sapele Okpe community and accused them of fabricating historical narratives to lay claim to Ugbekoko land, allegedly aided by SEPLAT Energy.

In a press statement, Ugbekoko leaders provided historical context to back their claims, asserting that their community predates the establishment of the Okpe-Sobo Forest Reserve. According to the Ugbekoko leadership, the land was originally leased to their forefather, Aribiowu of Ifon, by the Abigborodo people in 1919, long before the British administration created the reserve in 1933.

“The land we occupy was leased to our ancestor, Aribiowu, by the Abigborodo people in 1919,” the statement read. “This lease was formalized through an agreement signed by representatives of the Abigborodo community, Pa Edun and Okomama. It is preposterous for the Sapele Okpe community to claim ownership of a land they have no historical or legal ties to.”

The Ugbekoko community pointed to a Delta State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which, they claim, affirmed their ownership of the disputed land. The inquiry reportedly found that the Sapele Okpe community had sold their allocated 1,200 hectares of land to CEDDI Corporation Ltd but later fraudulently attempted to claim an additional 760.63 hectares.

“The commission exposed fraudulent attempts by the Sapele Okpe community to extend their claim beyond the 1,200 hectares allocated to them in 1999,” the Ugbekoko statement asserted. “Their actions undermine the integrity of the judicial process and violate the rights of rightful landowners.”

The Ugbekoko leadership also accused SEPLAT Energy of complicity in the alleged land-grab, claiming the company had recognized the Sapele Okpe community as stakeholders in areas that belong to Ugbekoko. They argued that all petroleum upstream operations of SEPLAT, including flow stations, jetties, pipelines, and drilling sites, are located on Ugbekoko land.

“This is a deliberate and illegal incursion into our land, aided by SEPLAT Energy. We will resist this within the confines of the law,” the statement read.

The dispute took a more contentious turn following allegations by the Sapele Okpe community that the Delta State Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee, led by Chief Edwin Uzor, exhibited bias during its investigation. In response, Ugbekoko leaders dismissed these accusations as baseless attempts to derail the investigation.

“It is laughable that they accuse Chief Edwin Uzor’s committee of bias when it was the Sapele Okpe leadership that deliberately avoided participating in joint inspections of the disputed land,” the Ugbekoko leadership noted. “Their call for the removal of Chief Uzor is a calculated ploy to intimidate the investigation panel and influence the outcome in their favor.”

The conflict stems from long-standing disputes over the Okpe-Sobo Forest Reserve and its surrounding lands. While the Sapele Okpe community claims ownership of the reserve, the Ugbekoko community asserts that their land was unlawfully included in the reserve without the consent of their ancestors or the Abigborodo community, the original lessors.

A previous investigation by the Delta State Judicial Commission of Inquiry reportedly mandated oil companies operating in the area to pay royalties to the Ugbekoko community. However, according to Ugbekoko leaders, these directives remain largely unimplemented.

Ugbekoko leaders appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to disregard what they described as “false and misleading claims” by the Sapele Okpe community. They called for the governor’s continued support of the Edwin Uzor-led peace committee and urged swift action to resolve the matter.

“Your Excellency, we implore you to stand by the truth and ensure that justice prevails. The Sapele Okpe community’s baseless allegations must not be allowed to derail this investigation,” the statement concluded.

Observers have noted that the ongoing land dispute, if not carefully managed, could escalate tensions among the affected communities. Both sides are calling for justice, but their contrasting narratives highlight the deep-seated divisions and historical grievances fueling the conflict.

As the state government deliberates on the matter, all eyes are on Governor Oborevwori to mediate and ensure a peaceful resolution. The Ugbekoko community remains adamant that “conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it.” Whether truth and justice can bridge the growing divide remains to be seen.