By Sunday Apah
The South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI) is cautioning the public against engaging in any land transactions involving the Okpanam community in Oshimili North Local Government Area, asserting that the disputed land rightfully belongs to the Issele-Azagba people from the Aniocha North Council Area of Delta State.
In a statement released in Warri, the organization shared insights from its investigation into the ongoing land dispute, highlighting the recent public outcry following the tragic killings of three young individuals and two police officers three years prior.
The SSPTI indicated that a small faction of Okpanam locals appears to be responsible for the unrest affecting the region.
SSPTI representatives, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie (Chairman) and Engr. Kayode Ayomide (Secretary), criticized attempts by some members of the Okpanam community to discredit a law-abiding businessman, Chinedu Okeke, also known as “Ekwe Ogidi.”
They argued that the Okpanam proponents have not substantiated their ownership claims against the Issele-Azagba community.
The group also brought to light concerns regarding certain senior police officials in Delta State, particularly recent appointees to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), who allegedly collaborate with criminal elements in Okpanam to exacerbate tensions.
According to SSPTI, these officers have been known to influence successive Commissioners of Police to side with them, thereby oppressing the Issele-Azagba community.
The SSPTI expressed gratitude to Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun for assigning the case to Deputy Inspector General of Police Sylvester Abiodun Alabi and voiced confidence in his investigative capabilities.
They urged Okpanam community members to come forward with their statements to the police, which had been requested two months ago.
In part, the statement read: “Our group has become aware of the ongoing land conflict between the Issele-Azagba and Okpanam communities, which has resulted in the loss of five lives and significant property destruction, amounting to millions of Naira.”
“As an organization committed to promoting transparency regarding issues affecting public safety in the Niger Delta, we conducted an independent investigation into the land disagreement to uncover the truth and help put an end to the unnecessary violence and property damage affecting law-abiding citizens.”
The findings indicated that, contrary to claims of land grabbing by certain individuals from Okpanam, including one Chiedu Ofuani, the situation involves encroachment by a few individuals against the Issele-Azagba community, who have convincingly demonstrated their rightful ownership.
The investigation uncovered a valid Consent Judgment issued by the High Court of Justice in Issele-Uku on June 19, 2012, confirming the Issele-Azagba people’s ownership claims. This judgment was supported by representatives from both communities and remains uncontested.
Additionally, the Issele-Azagba community possesses a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Okpanam community that recognizes their ownership of the disputed land, as well as an established survey plan clearly outlining the boundaries of both communities.
In contrast, the Okpanam community has only presented an Enrollment of Ruling from the same High Court, which allows them to access the land for surveying but does not invalidate the existing Consent Judgment favoring the Issele-Azagba people.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that Chinedu Okeke, whom the Okpanam community labeled a land grabber, is a legitimate business owner.
He acquired approximately 85 acres of land from the Issele-Azagba community, fulfilling all financial obligations and conducting thorough due diligence regarding the land’s rightful ownership.
The SSPTI expressed concern regarding certain high-ranking police officials who have operated through multiple police administrations, as some seem to support criminal elements in Okpanam with the aim of suppressing the Issele-Azagba community’s rights.
The group commended the Inspector General of Police for entrusting the investigation to DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi but also noted that some members of the Okpanam community have refrained from going to Abuja to present their statements, despite the two-month timeline since investigations began.
Concluding their statement, SSPTI urged the public to avoid dealings with the Okpanam community concerning the disputed land, citing their desperation to exploit individuals and their lack of legitimate ownership claims.
