The people of Obodogwugwu Quarters, Okpanam Kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, have commenced legal proceedings against the ongoing administrative steps towards a proposed boundary delineation exercise involving Ugbolu Settlement and Okpanam Kingdom.
In Suit No. AKU/47/2026, filed before the High Court of Delta State, the people of Obodogwugwu Quarters, through their solicitors, the Chambers of I. C. Ejiofor & Co., instituted the action against Obi Okolo Iweanya (Obi Ugbolu), representing the settlers and people of Ugbolu.
Other defendants in the suit are the Deputy Governor of Delta State, the Attorney-General of Delta State, the Surveyor-General of Delta State, the Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, and the Delta State Boundary Technical Committee.
Among other reliefs, the claimants are seeking an injunction restraining the first defendant, Obi Ugbolu, and the people of Ugbolu from further entering the land.
They are also seeking an injunction restraining the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth defendants, whether acting directly or through their agents, from undertaking, supervising, implementing, facilitating or otherwise participating in any boundary identification, delineation, demarcation, adjustment or administrative exercise purporting to establish a common boundary between the Ugbolu settlers and Obodogwugwu Quarters of Okpanam Kingdom.
The claimants are further seeking declaratory reliefs, including a claim for N500 million in damages for alleged trespass.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Concerned Citizens and Representatives of Obodogwugwu Quarters, Okpanam Kingdom, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, the group said the attention of the people of Obodogwugwu Quarters had been drawn to the ongoing administrative steps towards a proposed boundary delineation exercise involving Ugbolu Settlement and Okpanam Kingdom.
According to the statement, the people had commenced the legal action to safeguard what they regard as their ancestral communal rights and to ensure that all issues arising from the proposed exercise are determined strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.
The statement stated :
“Concerned citizens of Obodogwugwu Quarters have now commenced an action in Suit No. AKU/47/2026, before the High Court of Delta State against the relevant parties, through their solicitors, the Chambers of I. C. Ejiofor & Co. The suit seeks, among other reliefs, judicial pronouncements concerning the parties’ respective rights and the legality of the proposed boundary delineation exercise.”
The claimants maintain in their pleadings that the land known as Ani Uzo-Olu forms part of the ancestral communal estate of Obodogwugwu Quarters and that the proposed delineation is being pursued despite their objection.
They further contend that no historical or customary boundary exists between Ugbolu Settlement and Obodogwugwu Quarters.
According to the release, these are issues that have now been properly submitted for judicial determination, and the Court alone will determine them after considering the evidence and applicable law.
The group said its decision to approach the Court was neither an act of hostility nor an attempt to frustrate lawful governance, but rather a reflection of its confidence in the Judiciary as the constitutional institution entrusted with the peaceful resolution of disputes.
The statement further read in part:
“We therefore respectfully call upon the Government of Delta State, all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and every public officer connected with the proposed exercise to refrain from taking any further administrative or physical steps capable of altering the existing situation pending the determination of the suit now before the Court.
“The principle is well established that where a dispute has become the subject of pending judicial proceedings, every responsible public authority should exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of rendering the proceedings nugatory or presenting the Court with a fait accompli.
“Respect for the judicial process is indispensable to constitutional governance and the maintenance of public confidence in the administration of justice.
“We equally appeal to the people of Obodogwugwu Quarters, the people of Okpanam Kingdom, the inhabitants of Ugbolu Settlement, and members of the general public to remain peaceful and law-abiding and to refrain from any act capable of escalating tensions.
“No disagreement over land or boundary is worth the breakdown of peace or the loss of human life.
“We also urge traditional institutions, community leaders, youth bodies, women’s groups, and all stakeholders to support peaceful coexistence while allowing the Court to discharge its constitutional responsibility without interference, intimidation or external pressure.
“The people of Obodogwugwu Quarters remain committed to the rule of law. We have chosen the path of the Constitution over confrontation, the authority of the Courts over self-help, and justice over conflict.
“Accordingly, we respectfully urge the Delta State Government and all the defendants in the pending proceedings to preserve the existing state of affairs and allow the Court to determine the issues placed before it in accordance with the law.
“History is best preserved through truth. Justice is best secured through due process. Peace is best sustained when every person and every institution submits to the rule of law.”
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