By Titus Eleweke
The people of Obodogwugwu Quarters, Okpanam Kingdom, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, have approached the High Court to challenge ongoing administrative steps towards a proposed boundary delineation between Ugbolu Settlement and Okpanam Kingdom.
In Suit No. AKU/47/2026, filed through their solicitors, Chambers of I. C. Ejiofor & Co., the claimants instituted the action against Obi Okolo Iweanya (Obi Ugbolu), the Deputy Governor of Delta State, the Attorney-General, the Surveyor-General, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, and the Delta State Boundary Technical Committee.
Among other reliefs, the claimants are seeking an injunction restraining Obi Ugbolu and people of Ugbolu from further entering the disputed land.
They are also asking the court to restrain the state government and its agencies from undertaking or facilitating any boundary identification, delineation, demarcation or adjustment exercise involving Ugbolu Settlement and Obodogwugwu Quarters pending determination of the suit.
The claimants are further seeking declaratory reliefs and N500 million in damages for alleged trespass.
In a statement signed by concerned citizens and representatives of Obodogwugwu Quarters, the group said the legal action was filed to protect what it described as its ancestral communal rights and ensure that the dispute is resolved in accordance with the law.
The claimants maintain that the land known as Ani Uzo-Olu forms part of the ancestral communal estate of Obodogwugwu Quarters. They also contend that there is no historical or customary boundary between Ugbolu Settlement and the quarters.
The group said the issues were now before the court and should be determined based on evidence and applicable law.
It appealed to the Delta State Government and all relevant authorities to refrain from further administrative or physical actions that could alter the existing situation pending the determination of the case.
The group also urged residents of Obodogwugwu, Okpanam Kingdom and Ugbolu Settlement to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions.
It said its resort to the judiciary was not an act of hostility but a demonstration of confidence in the rule of law.
The group called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women groups, and other stakeholders to support peaceful coexistence while allowing the court to determine the dispute.
Tags: Delta State, Okpanam, Ugbolu, Land Dispute
