We won’t cede land to neighbouring state, Onyeme says
Opuama, Tsekelewu and Okirigbo communities in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Council, have called on governments to urgently wade into the land dispute between them and Ondo State to avoid bloodshed.
David Ugedi stated this on behalf of the communities, during a meeting between leaders of the communities and the Delta State Boundary Committee in Government House, Asaba, at the weekend.
While giving historical perspective of their roots in Delta, Ugedi disclosed that the interest of Ondo government was mainly about oil resources in their communities.
The people of the three communities had told the Boundary Committee that they were at the verge of defending themselves, following efforts by Ondo government to illegally annex their communities into Ilaje East Local Council Development Area in Ondo.
He stated that they were ready to defend themselves, if such is required and asked the state and the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, intervene.
However, Deputy Governor of Delta, Monday Onyeme, assured them that the state government would not cede any part of its land to any neighbouring state.
Onyeme noted that it was impossible for a state government to annex any community, as the National Boundary Commission (NBC) had clearly defined state boundaries.
While assuring communities in the state that are experiencing similar issues of the state government’s commitment to protect their interest, Onyeme said: “You have made your case very loud and clear about where you belong because you have been able to trace your history from the defunct Western Region.
“Your facts are enough to convince anybody that you belong to Delta, which has never dreamt of ceding any part or any community to other states. So, do not be afraid, as government will do everything within its powers to ensure that the matter is resolved.
“It is good to know that the Chairman of Warri North is from your community and four councillors, who are representing your communities, are also domiciled in Warri North. Your votes are counted in Delta; so, it is wrong for any other state to want to annex those communities.”
