By Samuel Ogude & Ejiro Nesisa
Indigenes of Aladja Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to help demarcate boundary between them and Ogbe-Ijoh people in Warri South-West Local Government Area adding, both previous and present governments in Delta State have failed them in this regard.
The people made the call during a peaceful protest in Aladja Community recently. The protesters were led in the protest by Comrade Shell Okakotu GodFirst, President of Aladja Community Council, Mr. Akpojotor Okololo, 1st Deputy Oghuvwie of Aladja Community and Mr. Lori German, Secretary of Traditional Council in Aladja.
The protesters danced from the Aladja Community town hall through Ekorhion Quartetrs down to the Waterside as they chanted solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions, “The land belongs to Aladja”,”Major Solomon be neutral in the crisis”, Ogbe-Ijoh doesn’t have an inch of land there”, “Governor Sheriff give Aladja her land back”, Delta Government knows the truth but plays politics with the crisis”,” Governor Sheriff, do what is right, be truthful and just”, “Hon. Taye Tuoyo, stop using the military against Aladja for Ogbe-Ijoh”,”Hon. Taye, “The Nigeria Army must be neutral, truthful and fair in the matter”, “Demarcate the land or leave the court case to end”, “”Ogbe-Ijoh, give peace a chance, war is destructive”. “Ogbe-Ijoh, allow peace to reign between us” among others.
The protesters also appealed to the people of Ogbe-Ijoh Community to allow peace to be between them for the disputed land to be demarcated.
Speaking to newsmen, Prince Dumudje who was represented by the 2nd Vice President-General of Aladja Leaders of Thoughts, Dr. Richard Lafua said that a meeting was held at the Army barracks in Effurun and an agreement was reached that the entire land in dispute be demarcated.
Prince Dumudje added that, no action has been taken since, after the meeting but they(Aladja) people only see further encroachments on the disputed land by some government agents especially the Chairman of Warri South-West Council, Hon. Taye Tuoyo whom he said is allegedly pitching the military against Aladja Community. He said:”We find this very embarrassing that a government official is doing this.”
According to Prince Dumudje, Aladja Community agreed that the disputed land be demarcated but they have waited patiently for the Delta State Government to take action.
Prince Dumudje said Aladja Community which he christened as a peaceful and loving have been maltreated for years over their land by the people of Ogbe-Ijoh Community who want to take their lands from them by force.
He said:”We are also willing to let go some portion of the land for purpose of peace. Even with this, government is not forthcoming.”
Prince Dumudje said that it is the responsibility of government to ensure the protection of lives and properties but Ogbe-Ijoh people are simply just interested in bloodshed. He therefore appealed to the Delta State Governor, RT Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to as a matter of urgency intervene in the matter see that the disputed land is demarcated peacefully.
On his part, the President of Aladja Community Council, Comrade Shell Okakotu GodFirst said the Delta State Government is weak to take decisions over the disputed land which has been causing crisis as many have died as a result of this over the years.
He said:”Delta state government is weak to take decision. So, it is better the Federal Government take decision to have permanent peace for meaningful development to take place.”
Comrade GodFirst who noted that the right flank of the land was demarcated peacefully, expressed surprise that the left flank hasn’t been demarcated till date, which according to him, has brought problems.
On their part, Aladja Community Youth Leader, Reuben Fourie and Woman Leader in the Community ,Mrs. Ruth Christopher said the age long crisis between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Communities has affected them economically, mentally, financially among others just as they called on the Urhobo Progress Union(UPU) Worldwide and all Urhobo indigenes both home and abroad to rescue Aladja Community and ensure that their land is not taken away from by strangers who have caused the death of many for the past twenty seven years.
Recall that women in Aladja community earlier protested over lingering crisis between them( Aladja ) and Ogbe-Ijoh, and urged Governor Oborevwori to end crisis.