The traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, has denied allegations that communal lands belonging to the kingdom were sold to foreign interests.

The monarch described the claims as false, malicious and orchestrated by individuals opposed to ongoing land recovery efforts by the palace.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Palace Communications Directorate, the monarch said no portion of Ogwashi-Uku land had been sold to Chinese nationals or any other foreign entity, contrary to allegations circulating in some media reports.

The palace also denied claims made by Victor Ochei, accusing him and unnamed sponsors of spreading falsehoods intended to discredit the traditional institution.

According to the statement, the allegations formed part of a coordinated campaign by persons who allegedly benefited from what the palace described as corrupt and irregular land transactions involving communal property over the years.

“The Palace wishes to make it abundantly clear that this wave of negative publicity, including laughable allegations of kidnapping and murder, is neither spontaneous nor genuine,” the statement said.

The palace stated that the current administration under the Obi was focused on restoring transparency and legality in land administration, as well as reclaiming ancestral lands allegedly appropriated by speculators and estate developers.

The monarch also denied allegations that local farmers were harassed or forcibly evicted, insisting that all actions taken regarding disputed lands followed lawful procedures.

Highlighting some of the land recovery efforts, the palace said a judgment in Suit No. O/5/2006 and the execution of a Warrant of Possession in September 2025 restored 1,349 hectares of land to the kingdom.

According to the statement, another court judgment in Suit No. O/50/2021 reaffirmed the Obi’s authority over 900 hectares of land located behind the Delta State Polytechnic following disputes involving estate developers and private interests.

The palace further rejected allegations that the monarch unlawfully ceded communal land to a top Delta State government official.

It stated that the palace was currently pursuing legal action in Suit No. O/163/2025 to challenge what it described as an unauthorised transfer of communal land linked to the same official.

The palace maintained that the ongoing recovery of communal lands was aimed at preserving them for hospitals, schools, industrial projects and agricultural development for the benefit of the people of Ogwashi-Uku. (The Guardian)

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