The Ogwashi-Uku monarch yesterday labeled Otulu-Ugo community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State as a hideout for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The monarch declared that the community has been hijacked by members of the agitating group.

This development is unconnected to peaceful demonstration of Otulu Community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state, to express their disaffection over alleged oppression from it’s parent Community, Ogwashi-Uku community.

The over hundred protesters who stormed Government House in Asaba, indicted the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku community, HRM Obi Ifeachukwude Okonjo in their supplications.

In his address, the Iyase of Otulu-Ugo community, Chief Christopher Isekekpei pleaded that Otulu-Ugo be recognized as an independent community, as well as the unconditional release of their kinsmen from police custody, among other pleas.

“We have converged here to ventilate our disaffection and make known our unacceptability of the injustice, intimidation, harassment, enslavement and infringement on the fundamental human rights of our people through the instrumentality of the state as sponsored by HRM Obi Ifeachukwude Okonjo.

“We, therefore, seek the following reliefs; the recognition of Otulu-Ugo as an independent community, the recognition of the leadership of Otulu-Ugo as chosen by the Otulu-Ugo community, and total independence of Otulu-Ugo community from any external aggressors,” he said.

He further requested the governor “to order HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo and his cohorts to stay off the affairs of Otulu-Ugo community’’ as well as the unconditional release of his kinsmen from police custody.

After hearing their complains, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon Festus Agas, pleaded with the demonstrators to exercise restraint and not take laws into their hands.

While commending them for their orderly demonstration, the governor received their documented allegations and supplications, even as he assured them of urgent intervention.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of Ogwashi-Uku Obi-in-Council, Chief Zeliwe Ojeogwu alleged that the protesters were members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN).

‘’The police should intensify their efforts to apprehend all those who have committed crimes so that they have their day in court and face justice. The Delta State Police Command should not permit Otulu to remain a hiding place for criminals who use it as a staging ground for their activities throughout Delta North Senatorial District.

“As far as we are concerned, this issue has been settled. The gang members from the Eastern Security Network and IPOB who Francis Odiakose (aka) Francis Oduwanor and Christopher Oduwanor are using to terrorize the entire area should be brought to book by the Delta State Police command,” he declared.

He recalled that the Delta State government had made it clear in writing in April 2022 that Otulu is part of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and is under our Obi of Ogwashi-Uku HRM Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II.

He further urged youths who have been provoked not to take laws into their hands as they charged the State Police command not to allow Otulu to remain a hiding place for criminals who use it as a staging ground for their activities. (Courtesy, excluding headline, Daily Independent)

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