Delta Commission of Inquiry into land, kingship disputes receive 30 memoranda

Determined to put an end to the lingering kingship and land ownership disputes within Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha south and its neighbouring communities in Delta State, the Commission of Inquiry set up by the state government to look into the crisis has received 30 memoranda.

The Commission which will commence sitting next week has assured communities and stakeholders of its resolve to be fair, neutral and impartial in the conduct of its assignment.

The Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ejiro Emudaino gave the assurance while addressing representatives of the various communities and their legal teams at the inaugural sitting of the commission at the Press Centre, Government House, Asaba.

Justice Emudainowho said the panel was made up of men and women of proven character and integrity and was committed to uncovering facts, examining evidence and hearing all perspectives with fairness.

She said the commission of inquiry would conduct its proceedings with the highest degree of integrity and transparency, adding that it would provide a conducive environment where all voices would be heard, respected and considered in its final findings.

Justice Emudainowho noted that the members of the commission recognized the gravity of its assignment to address complex and deep-rooted issues concerning kingship and land ownership within Ogwashi-Uku and its neighbouring communities.

According to her, the concerns that led to the setting up of the commission of inquiry touched on core identity, heritage and stability within the affected communities’ kingship and land ownership matters which were historical and cultural as well as of economic significance.

She noted that the disputes led to conflicts and disruptions, assuring that the commission of inquiry sought to bring clarity, truth and ultimate peace to the long-standing issues by being neutral and impartial.

Justice Emudainowho advised counsel to the various communities and individuals to represent their clients with decorum with regard to the sensitive nature of the issues and strive for dialogue that advanced understanding even in the face of disagreement.

She called on the media to give professional reportage on the sittings of the Commission of Inquiry with accuracy, fairness and all-sense of responsibility, noting that the way they convey their reports would impact the perception of the public.

Justice Emudainowho solicited the cooperation of the affected communities and urged them to trust the process as the commission’s goal was not to further deepen divisions amongst them but to get to the root cause or causes of disputes with a view to finding an enduring solution to the challenges and promote peaceful co-existence amongst the people.

Some counsels lauded the government for setting up the commission of inquiry to put to an end the lingering kingship and land ownership disputes in Ogwashi-Uku and its neighbouring communities.

They drew the attention of the commission to issues bothering their interest and urged counsel to liaise with the secretariat for any information.

Other members of the Commission of Inquiry include Mrs Ajoritsedere Awosika, Pharmacist Paul Enebeli, Prof Andrew Onokerhoraye, Mr Charles Dike, a Deputy Commissioner of Police and Barr Moses Namo, an Assistant Director, Department of State Services with Barr Gabriel Ikemefuna Eze-Owenz, a Director, Advisory Services, Ministry of Justice as Secretary.