The people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom through their king, HRM. Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonji II, have issued Admiralty University, owned by the Nigerian Navy, a 30-day ultimatum to change its address from Ibusa to Ogwashi-Uku.
They vowed to commence legal actions against the university if it fails to do so.
This is contained in a precaution notice served on the Chairman of the Governing Council, Vice Chancellor and Registrar of the University by Sir J.O Ojobu & Co, lawyers to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and members of the Obi in Council, on November 21.
The lawyers pointed out that the Constitution of Nigeria had “delineated 774 local governments and as a result, any designation contrary to the delineation as recognised by the Constitution is null and void”.
Ojobu attached to his letter a certified map of Delta State with local government boundaries and pointed out that the boundary between Ibusa, which is located in Oshimili North Local government, and Ogwashi-Uku which is in Aniocha South local government, is the river Oboshi.
“This river also forms the natural boundary between the Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa Communities. As Admiralty University which is uncontestably located in Aniocha South local government area which is a constitutional issue, it cannot be located in Ibusa (Oshimili North local government).”
The lawyers to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku pointed out that members of the Ibusa community have leveraged on these anomalies to enter into Ogwashi-Uku land and alienate same with impunity.
When contacted, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the Palace Secretary in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, noted that members of the Ogwashi-Uku community would not continue to tolerate any further breach of the Constitution and claim to their farmland by the Ibusa community.
“The land given to Admiralty University was forcefully seized by Admiral Ezeoba who was from Ibusa and he used military men to intimidate members of the Ogwashi-Uku community.”
The Palace Secretary stated that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku being an academic was not opposed to the university but wanted to ensure that the address and other legislation properly reflect the true and correct location of the institution.
He also warned members of the Ibusa community currently trespassing on Ogwashi-Uku land to stay away from the land.
