The investigation into the kingship and land disputes within Ogwashi-Uku and neighboring communities continued today at the Judicial Panel of Inquiry. All petitions concerning the Iyase title of Ogwashi-Uku, held by Chief Mike Chukwuka Nwaukoni, were withdrawn.
This withdrawal was prompted by an oral application from Counsel to Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo, Prince Chike Onyemenam, SAN. He stated that the issue of the Iyaseship title was not included in the Panel’s terms of reference.
Following this application, which was unopposed by Counsel for the Iyase of Ogwashi-Uku and the Agidiase community, Chief Efe Akpofure, SAN, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ejiro Emudianowho, ruled to strike out petitions numbered JP1/2024/001, JP1/2024/014, and JP1/2024/024. These petitions had been filed by Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo against Chief Mike Chukwuka Nwaukoni, the Iyase.
During the examination of Francis Okolie Esq., a witness for the Agidiase community, Counsel for the Umu-Igbeke and Umu-Uti families, H. T. Ogidi Esq., repeatedly referred to the Iyase of Ogwashi-Uku. In response, Chief Efe Akpofure requested that all paragraphs mentioning the Iyase be removed from all affidavits, a request that was granted.
In his testimony, the witness, Francis Okolie Esq., attributed the crisis in Ogwashi-Uku to the annexation of community and family lands by Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo and a blatant disregard for the customs and traditions of Ogwashi-Uku. He highlighted the appointment of Okuabani, which was traditionally reserved for the Iyase but had allegedly been unilaterally appropriated by the Obi without proper consultation or adherence to the established selection process.
The witness presented a 16-paragraph affidavit, including a survey plan of Agidihe, Ogbe-Onicha, and Ogbe-Ishagbe quarters, along with evidence of alleged land sales that bore the Obi’s signature. These documents were accepted as exhibits by the Panel.
During cross-examination, H. T. Ogidi submitted a judgment from Justice Z. A. Smith of the State High Court, which vested ownership of Ogwashi-Uku lands in the Obi as trustee. This judgment was also accepted as an exhibit.
H. T. Ogidi further asserted that chieftaincy titles in Ogwashi-Uku could only be conferred on deserving individuals by the Obi, a claim that was contested by the witness.
