By Victor AhiumaYoung

All petitions relating to the Iyase title of Ogwashi-Uku, against Chief Mike Chukwuka Nwaukoni in the kingship/land disputes within Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area, LGA, and the neighboring communities of Delta State, have been withdrawn.

The withdrawal on Wednesday followed an oral application by Counsel to Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo, Prince Chike Onyemenam, SAN, based on the fact that the issue of Iyaseship title of Ogwashi-Uku was not in the terms of reference of the Panel. 

Ruling on the application, which was not opposed by Counsel to the Iyase of Ogwashi-Uku and the Agidiase community, Chief Efe Akpofure, SAN, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ejiro Emudianowho, struck out petitions number JP1/2024/001, JPI/2024/014 and JPI/2024/024, filed by Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo’ against the Iyase, Chief Mike Chukwuka Nwaukoni. 

Following persistent references to the Iyase of Ogwashi-Uku during cross examination of a witness to the Agidiase community, Francis Okolie, Counsel to the Umu-Igbeke and Umu-Uti families, H. T. Ogidi, Counsel to the Iyase, Chief Efe Akpofure, requested that all paragraphs referring to the Iyase in all affidavits be expunged, which was granted.

In his evidence, the witness to the Agidiase community, Francis Okolie, blamed the crisis in Ogwashi-Uku to the annexation of the community and family lands and flagrant disregard of the custom and traditions of Ogwashi-Uku.

He cited the appointment of Okuabani, which hitherto was the exclusive preserve of the Iyase, but which allegedly unilaterally hijacked without recourse to the selection process reserved for the communities making the appointment.

The witness deposed to a 16-paragrsph affidavit, including a survey plan of Agidiahe Ogbe-Onicha and Ogbe-Ishagbe quarters, as well as proofs of alleged land sales with documents which were admitted as exhibits by the Panel.

Under cross examination, H. T. Ogidi tendered a judgement delivered by Justice Z. A. Smith of the State High Court, vested ownership of Ogwashi-Uku Land on the Obi, which was also admitted as an exhibit.

Ogidi also submitted that chieftainy titles in Ogwashi-Uku could only be conferred on deserving persons by the Obi, which was disputed by the witness.