Inside Eleme Newspaper (2025)

27/02/2025

Ogale Drags Shell to US Court over Oil Spillage

By Emma Akogun

The Court of Appeal in London has commenced hearing on the matter brought before it by the Ogale Community in Eleme Local Government Area concerning unmitigated oil spill in the area by the operation of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, SPDC.
Shell is in Court facing allegations that it is responsible for oil pollution in Nigeria that left thousands without clean water and ruined farming and fishing.
Lawyers claim hundreds of leaks and spills from Shell's pipelines and infrastructure have devastated the environment of the Bille and Ogale communities in the Niger Delta.
However Shell argues that the vast majority of the pollution came from criminals sabotaging pipelines, stealing oil and illegally refining it.
The company says it is not liable for pollution caused by others, but that its regional arm, SPDC, cleans up all spills, "regardless of the cause", including those being scrutinized in court.
Lawyers representing 13,000 local Nigerians claim Shell and its subsidiary "failed to take basic steps" to stop the oil theft and other activity that caused the spill, and that there has "barely" been a clean-up.
Law firm, Leigh Day argues the pollution breached people's right to clean and healthy surroundings.
The initial trial, starting in the High Court in London, will decide whether Shell can be held liable for pollution caused in the course of theft and illegal activity. The full trial will begin next year.
It will also assess whether oil pollution by a private company can be a violation of a community's fundamental human rights under the Nigerian Constitution and African Charter on Human and People's Rights.
Leigh Day says if the case succeeds, it would be the first time a UK multinational had been found to have breached human rights by polluting the environment.
Ogale and Bille residents have been fighting for a clean-up "to international standards" and compensation since 2015, after they claimed pollution left them without clean water and unable to farm and fish.
Chief Bebe Okpabi leader of the Ogale community, said: "It has been a long, hard fight to get here, but we are happy to see Shell finally facing trial".
"Once we relied on fishing for our livelihoods - now, because of the pollution, our rivers and waterways are devastated, and the fish are gone”
A spokesperson for Shell said: "Shell has a continuing commitment to Nigeria, its people and the economy.
"Where we operate, we bring jobs, support local supply chains and invest in the education and healthcare people rely on, as well as providing billions of dollars in income to the Nigerian government.
"We strongly believe in the merits of our case. Oil is being stolen on an industrial scale in the Niger Delta. This criminality is a major source of pollution and is the cause of the majority of spills in the Bille and Ogale claims.
"The SPDC joint venture manages these challenges, working closely with the Nigerian government, its government-owned partner NNPC Ltd, local communities and other key stakeholders using its expertise in spill prevention, response and clean-up.
“Regardless of the cause of a spill, SPDC cleans up the areas affected by spills originating from its facilities and in the event of an operational spill, SPDC compensates any affected people and communities.
"We believe Leigh Day's litigation does little to address the real problem in the Niger Delta: oil spills due to theft, illegal refining and sabotage, which cause the most environmental damage."

27/02/2025

𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗼 𝗙𝗮𝗿

The third tier of government, otherwise known as the local government area, was created to bring governance closer to the people. Good governance exists where there is safety for life and property. Thus, the government is expected to provide basic infrastructure, but this cannot be effectively delivered when the head of government visits the local government area only occasionally while residing remotely.

The defunct Eleme County Council was created as far back as 1959. The establishment of this government at the grassroots eventually led to the construction of the chairman's lodge in Ogale, Nchia, which now serves the Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogale, Nchia. This is comparable to the State House in Port Harcourt and the Presidential Villa in the FCT.

The Eleme local government area was created in 1996. However, except for a few instances over the years, the local government chairmen in the area resided either in Obio/Akpor or Port Harcourt. This created a gap between administrators and the grassroots, making it difficult for the people to access them. If one cannot easily reach their leader to voice concerns, how can their needs be met? That was the situation in Eleme. Even when he visited the secretariat, gatekeepers might subject visitors to bureaucratic bottlenecks, which can be frustrating. This is where the decision of the incumbent executive chairman to reside among his people is commendable, and I believe it has led to finding solutions to the people's needs. Emere Brain A. Gokpa has always remained connected to his people, having served as Eleme Youth President and later inducted into the Council of Chiefs. Now, Eleme residents have a chairman who not only understands their pain but shares it as well. This is an attitude he shares with his vice chairman and his wife, who led the Eleme women in solidarity with the Eleme Youth Council to call on the Federal Ministry of Works to hasten the pace of work on the Eleme section of the East-West Road, following the numerous losses of lives, property, and wasted man-hours caused by the failed section of the road.

Emere Gokpa is quick to respond when there is a threat to security. For instance, the issue of child abuse and assaults on residents in Ward 1, as well as violent attacks in Ward 7, received immediate attention, with suspects arrested and victims supported. Without the chairman's physical presence, the situation could have been much worse. He also remains informed about power interruptions, understands the causes, and addresses them promptly. For instance, in communities such as Aleto and Onne, which were facing power shortages, he provided two 500KVA transformers each and addressed other issues to boost the area's power supply. He even visited the First Independent Power Plant to negotiate a deal that, once fully implemented, will ensure an uninterrupted power supply in the area.

Mr. Chairman, as advised by H.E. Sir Siminalayi Fubara during his swearing-in ceremony at the Brick House in Port Harcourt, has appointed sons and daughters of Eleme into positions of trust. Additionally, he has gone beyond this by placing numerous residents in the area, considered to be in need, on his payroll without discrimination. As part of his empowerment program, he has promised to sponsor out-of-school children whose parents or guardians cannot afford their fees. In address, he set up a committee, including councillors, to identify those needing financial assistance to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, enabling them to pursue tertiary education. It would not be a surprise if he grants scholarships to those who excel in the examination. Recently, Mr. Chairman also supported an indigenous footballer from Agbonchia to help him pursue his career in Rwanda, inspiring other youth to work hard and seek recognition and sponsorship, no matter how small.

He has set up a committee to liaise with all the companies in Eleme to ensure that qualified individuals are not deprived of employment, having cautioned the company heads never to treat their host communities with levity.

On sanitation, he consistently evacuates waste across the LGA, and the issue of water supply will also be addressed, especially since the people of Ogale do not have potable water.

Emere Gokpa understands the challenges facing the council, including the need for office and residential accommodation for staff. Since his inauguration, he has begun expanding the staff quarters, which is nearly complete, and he is committed to finishing the Eleme LGA Secretariat in Ogale within nine months.

Although the needs are many, he has a clear blueprint for the development and advancement of the area, as outlined in his five-point agenda, which is already in progress. After all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and in a series of steps, even a small step counts. Let the people unite; together, we shall win. Mr. Chairman is hereby congratulated over his one hundred days in office. God bless his administration and Eleme LGA.

Samuel O. Onungwe
[email protected]
.com

27/02/2025

Gov Fubara Expresses Grief, Commiserates With Family Over Death of Chief Edwin Clark

By Paul Enokela

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has extended condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town in Delta State over the passing of their father, Chief Edwin Clark at 97 years.

Governor Fubara said the tragic news of the death of Chief Edwin Clark, made public on behalf of the family by Prof C. C. Clark, is rather heart-wrenching, given the impact of such a loss.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of our beloved father and leader, Chief Edwin Clark. Despite his age, he remained active, serving as beacon of hope and conscience to leaders in government.

"He kept in touch with national issues and did not cease from providing elderly counsel to leaders at various levels, in pursuit of responsible and responsive leadership in Nigeria."

Governor Fubara noted that Chief Edwin Clark, as a courageous Ijaw leader, nationalist, and freedom fighter, demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the unity of Nigeria, and boldly defended the rights of the minorities, especially Niger Deltans.

"He has left indelible footprints as a nationalist for the inspiring roles he played in the Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (MBLF), and as leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). I pray the Almighty God to grant the repose of his soul and reward his courageous services to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.”

Governor Fubara also consoled the family, saying: “As you navigate this dark period, remember that you are not alone. May the Almighty God grant you the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss."

27/02/2025

My Administration Paid N20bn Gratuity Arrears In Five Years – Gov Diri

By Paul Enokela

The governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has revealed that his administration has paid over N20 billion as arrears of gratuity to retired workers in the state since 2020.
Senator Diri spoke on Tuesday, during the inauguration of the secretariat building of both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at Amarata, Yenagoa.
The complex, built by the state government, was inaugurated by the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Governor Diri stated that the edifice symbolised the harmonious relationship between labour and his administration, stressing that more would be achieved when there was industrial harmony.
He said workers’ welfare had always been a top priority of his administration.
His words, “When we came on board, the issue of outstanding gratuities and pensions was on the front burner. We immediately made it a matter of policy to ensure that our senior citizens were respected by paying their arrears over the years.
“At this fifth anniversary of our administration, we have paid over N20 billion as gratuity and pension to retired citizens, and we will continue to ensure that they receive them. Before we leave office, we would have cleared the backlog.”
Diri appreciated labour in the state for always resorting to dialogue instead of industrial action whenever there was disagreement and promised to always work with them to improve their welfare.
The Bayelsa helmsman explained that his Rivers counterpart was chosen to inaugurate the project due to his commitment to the welfare of workers in his state and as a career civil servant, who attained the peak of his career.
Speaking on the issue of more homogenous states for the Ijaw ethnic nationality, the Bayelsa governor urged the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to work towards the creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil River states.
He noted that the balkanisation of the Ijaws into different states has given them a minority status in those states, stressing that only Bayelsa was created out of the three states demanded by the Ijaws.
He equally stated that it was an anomaly for Bayelsa to have only eight local government areas, saying it was an injustice that should be corrected by the federal government.
According to him, the creation of local government areas should have been the responsibility of states based on their ability and capacity to fund the number they create and not the current situation where local governments are created by the Federal Government and funded with the resources from the states.
In his remarks, Governor Siminalayi Fubara commended the Diri administration’s worker-friendly posture.
Fubara advised labour to work harmoniously with the government, adding that they would be the most affected if there was an industrial crisis.
He said his administration would continue to work with his Bayelsa counterpart in the interest and development of both states.
“For 16 years, there was friction between Rivers and Bayelsa states, but under my administration, we will work with you, bearing in mind that you are a sister state, and whatever the issues were, we have settled out of court.”
In their joint address, the presidents of the NLC and TUC, represented by former Bayelsa State NLC Chairman, Comrade Ebipre Ndiomu and Austin Jonah, respectively, said the edifice was a testament to the collaborative effort between labour and government and would be used to strategise and advance the cause of labour.
The labour leaders also appreciated Diri for his worker-friendly policies and urged workers to reciprocate the gesture through increased productivity.
In his address, the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Chief Odoko Omiloli, explained that the NLC and TUC complex was a double-winged and double-annexed one-storey building that would serve as a one-stop structure for the activities of trade unions in the state.
Chief Omiloli, who said the project was inherited from the previous administration of Senator Seriake Dickson, added that it was revalidated and awarded in December 2022 to January, Aboroebi Nigeria Limited, an indigenous construction firm.

27/02/2025

Gov. Fubara Has Waded Into Eleme, Okrika Impasse – Israel Abbey

Chief Israel Abbey speaks in an exclusive interview with Inside Eleme on the meeting of Eleme people and their Okrika neighbours with His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara on sundry issues of disagreement between Eleme and Okrika. Excerpts:

Inside Eleme: For the benefit of our readers please state your name and position.

Chief Israel Abbey: I am Chief Elder Israel Abbey the President General of Eleme apex socio-cultural, non-partisan organization, O-E’LA OBOR, known as the Eleme General Assembly.

Inside Eleme: Recently, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir. Sim Fubara, Eleme people and their neighbours from Okrika held a meeting in Government House Port Harcourt, were you one of those in that meeting?

Chief Israel Abbey: Yes, I was there at the meeting with the Governor in Government House.

Inside Eleme: Who and who were there from Eleme LGA?

Chief Israel Abbey: We were quite numerous, the King of Eleme His Royal Majesty, Philip Obele was there, Emere Bebe Okpabi of Ogale was there, Emperor J D Nkpe, Prof Ndowa Lale, High Chief Obo Obaa, Rev. Hon. J.O. Nwogu, the Executive Chairman of Eleme LGA, Chief Brain Gokpa, the former Ambassador to Netherlands, Hon. Oji Ngofa and a handful of other people from Eleme were there at the meeting with the Governor at Government House that day.

Inside Eleme: What About those from the Okrika side, which people came?

Chief Israel Abbey: The Executive Chairman of Okrika, Igwe Achese, the Chief of Ogoloma was there, King Ateke Tom was there and some retired military generals from Okrika were also there at the meeting with the governor.

Inside Eleme: What was the meeting actually about and on whose instance was it summoned?

Chief Israel Abbey: The meeting was about the report made by Okrikans to the Governor that Eleme people were obstructing the use of their own land. So they made a formal report to the Governor who summoned the two parties.

In their averment, they claimed that all the land belongs to them because the Supreme Court said so. So, they have come for it but the people of Eleme have not allowed them to. They said the youths stopped them from accessing the Alesa angle, They also said the people of Okojaogu tried to do a link road through the bridge to the Aleto axis of the East-West Express Road but the youths of the area halted them. The Okrikans also reported that they came through the Oyigbo side via Agbonchia but was stopped as well.

The leaders who spoke on behalf of Okrika tendered many documents and alleged that the Supreme Court ruling of 1957 awarded £250,000 against Eleme people in 1957 asking the Governor to prevail on Eleme to pay the money plus inflation running into billions as soon as possible.

When it was time for Eleme people to speak, the King of Eleme, His Royal Majesty, Philip Obele chronicled the instances of aggression from 1887 to recently in 1999. At the end of which peace was sought and the Okrikans have never respected the peace accords till date.

His Royal Majesty, Philip Obele stated clearly that the leaders of Eleme are not very abreast of this particular matter brought by the Okrika people to the Governor but they assured him that Eleme will counter every documents, all claims brought by Okrikans at the appropriate moment.

Eleme people also told the governor that the pillar of demarcation is at the moment in the personal property of The King of Okochiri, King Michael Ateke Tom.

High Chief Obo Obaa who had spoken told the governor that the entire land down to the river belong to Eleme which the Okrikans are aware of, and that the Supreme Court never dashed them the land in any of its statement so the claim that the land belongs to them is all made up.
He also informed the governor that Okrikans have since gone beyond their boundaries and encroached deep into the farmlands of Eleme people.

He said in front of everyone that Okrikans have never respected any of the agreements from the Graham Commissions to that of the then Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby.
They have trashed the agreement and are encroaching from everywhere from Alesa to Aleto to Agbonchia claiming falsely that it is their ancestral land.

Inside Eleme: So, What Was The Response Of The Governor?

Chief Israel Abbey: After hearing from both sides, he asked few questions; what is the real kernel of the issues today, why did they come to government house?
Okrikans said that they tried to do a road that four of their retired generals have told them to do from Okojaogu to link up with the East West Road but was halted by people of the area.

And the Governor made reference to what I said that if they are constructing a road, did you inform or consult your neighbours since it will impact them, be it good or bad, the generals cannot just give a marching order without recourse to those that may be affected by the project, be it good or bad.
The Governor also told them that the land they are claiming have been acquired by the former Governor of River State, Chief Nyesom Wike through Chief Marcus Nle Ejii and he (the Governor) is aware that compensation has been paid to Eleme people who are the real owners of the land. So why try to claim the land?
The Governor ordered that all projects must halt till a lasting solution is reached on the impasse.
The Governor said he will summon another meeting to resolve the issues but until then, no project should be carried out in the affected areas.

Inside Eleme: What Is Your Advice To Eleme people on this matter as the President General of Eleme General Assembly?

Chief Israel Abbey: We know just like the Okrikans know that the case will not favour them, hence the pressure and sentiment but we are resolute. The land belongs to Eleme and they know.

Inside Eleme: What’s your final advice to the youths and people of Eleme in view of the meeting with the governor?

Chief Israel Abbey: My advice is that our people should continue to resist them, I cannot say otherwise, we can't give them our land or allow them take what our progenitors placed in our possession, that will be irresponsible. Until the governor gives a counter directive, no further development or use of Eleme land will be allowed. We all want a lasting solution to the matter but till then, we must be steadfast, vigilant and resolute.

27/02/2025

Roland Osarowate Assumes Stool of Oneh Eh Obini-Eta Ekara Onne

By Paul Enokela

Emere, Roland Obarijima Osarowate, has been chosen and installed as the One-Eh Obini-Eta Ekara Onne in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

By his emergence, Emere Roland Osarowate becomes one of the youngest traditional rulers in Eleme kingdom. The occasion which took place at Ekara Onne marked the formal initiation into the Ogbo Nkporon Onne of the celebrant.

In an interview with Inside Eleme shortly after his installation, the celebrant said he came from a royal ancestry. His words: “I am the great grandson of Osarowate Oloungwe Obibia and grandson of Benedict Lewa Osarowate. They were both Paramount of Rulers of Onne, II & III”.

He said Obini-Eta Ekara is made of three families which he said are Ogallorejie Family, Obibia Family and the Ada Family.

His words: “These three families came together on the 29thof June, 2023 and selected me to be their chief. I was blessed by the Land-Priest of Ekara in person of High Chief LewaNgeda”.

He said members Ogbo Okponron Ekara that are from Obini-Eta Ekara, were also present at the selection, including elders from each family. Some of those present according to him include Elder Isaac Osaro Chindo Snr., Obibia Rep, Elder Godwin Adomah, Ada Rep, and Chief Clinton Okpoo, Emere Nkporon Ekara Ogallorejie Rep.

He said the youths of Obini-Eta were not left behind including the youth leader, Elder Cyril Ekiye who was also present among others.

Emere Osarowate promised to discharge his new responsibility diligently and with humility in the overall interest of the people of Ekara and Onne at large.

27/02/2025

Ejamah Chieftaincy Tussle: Oguru, Oluji At Each Other’s Throat

By Sam George Adeya

The struggle for the chieftaincy stool of Ejamah community between Chief Peter Oguru and Chief Emmanuel Olako Oluji is getting messier as none of the claimants is ready to yield any ground.
Whereas Chief Peter Oguru has secured the backing of the Eleme Local Government authorities, Chief Emmanuel Oluji has commenced his installation process as king of Ejamah with a customary visit to the palace of the King of Eleme with his family and supporters who presented him to His Royal Majesty, King Philip Osaro Obele.

Chief Peter Oguru secured the approval of the Chairman of Eleme Local Government Council, Chief Brain Gokpa at the council shortly after a meeting with key stakeholders of the community including the Land Priest of Ejamah and other elders of the community as well as security agents at the Eleme Local Government Council Secretariat.

In a statement issued after the meeting by the Eleme Local Government Council, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Udeme Obot, described the approval of Chief Peter Oguru as "Acting".
The statement read in part: "In a bid to restore peace in Ejamah Community of Ebubu, the Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Brain Gokpa, has approved the selection of Chief Peter Oguru as the Acting Paramount Ruler. This move aims to bring unity and development to the area, which has been plagued by a lingering chieftaincy tussle.

“Chief Gokpa emphasized the importance of peace, stating that without it, meaningful development cannot thrive.

“He made the approval during a peace meeting at the local government council secretariat in Ogale Eleme, attended by chiefs, elders and stakeholders of Ejamah Ebubu."

Considering the legal angle to the chieftaincy dispute, the statement further read: "The Ejamah people had presented documents showing a court ruling dismissing all suits to the stool of the Paramount Ruler. To avoid a power vacuum, they were being ruled by the land priest in the interim. The community leaders called on the council to intervene, requesting the appointment of an acting Paramount Ruler to work with the land priest until a substantive ruler is selected.

“Chief Peter Oguru's appointment is based on his prior anointment by the land priest."

However, the move by the Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Council is not going down well with a faction of the community led by Chief Emmanuel Olako Oluji who went ahead to commence his installation as the traditional ruler of Ejamah community.

The Emmanuel Olako Oluji group had carried out activities round the community as traditional rites demand, and presented Chief Emmanuel Olako Oluji to the King of Eleme, His Royal Majesty, Philip Obele and the Eleme council of chiefs at his palace in Aleto.

Chief Emmanuel Oluji insists his installation was done in accordance with the chieftaincy tradition and custom of the Ejamah Community. He also stated that the judgment of Justice C.D. Green of the Rivers State High Court had dismissed all claims by Peter Oguru.

27/02/2025

Oil Spill: Ogale Monarch Demands Remediation By Shell

By Sam George Adeya

The Paramount Ruler of Ogale and Oneh-eh Nchia X, His Royal Highness, Emere Godwin Bebe Okpabi has expressed displeasure over the oil spillage that occurred in Ogale recently. The monarch in an interview with journalists said that the pollution from oil spill has continued to make life unbearable for the people of Ogale.

His words: “The Ogale people continue to suffer under perpetual pollution from Shell. A fresh spill occurred a few days ago and spread into our farmland, close to a location where Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, is carrying out remediation works”, he added that, “Shell representatives were here in my palace two days ago, and they accepted responsibility for the oil spill.”

Emere Okpabi emphasized that Shell operations have brought so much misery, anguish and pain to Ogale over the years, adding that “Our water has been polluted by benzene. When you fetch it, you will see oil all over the water which makes it unfit for consumption. We can’t even cook with it.”
The traditional ruler regretted that the recent oil spill, like other repeated spills in the past that rendered land and water useless in Ogale, was the reason for the ongoing legal battle between Ogale Community and the Royal Dutch Shell in the United Kingdom.

“The people of Ogale are in Court in the United Kingdom with Royal Dutch Shell. We moved with Shell through technicalities of the Court system in that country to the Supreme Court. UK Court of Appeal has given a definite order that the trial should begin on the 13th of this month. It is to be a four-week trial. Now this has happened! Shell again”, the monarch lamented.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed that a recent crude oil spill happened in Ogale on Monday, February 3, at the shell manifold. The crude flowed freely from the manifold after it filled the underground pits, to the pipeline right-of-way that separated Lot-1 of the UNEP-recommended Cleanup Project of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) of the Federal Ministry of Environment.

27/02/2025

Gokpa Donates Car to Vice Chairman, Bus to Eleme Youth Council, Women Group

By Emma Akogun

The Chairman of Eleme Local Government Council, Chief Brain Gokpa has presented a Sport Utility Vehicle to the Vice Chairman of Eleme Local Government Council, Hon. Mrs. Trust God Appollos and an 18-Seater Bus to the Eleme Simplified Women in the LGA and Eleme Youth Council.

Chief Brain Gokpa who presented the vehicles differently to each of the beneficiaries promised that welfare of the people is top most on his programs.

During the formal inauguration of the bus to Eleme youth council, the chairman charged the youths to work for the stability of peace and security within their respective communities.

The presentation of the Bus to the Simplified Women of Eleme LGA was during the birthday program of the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara held at Eleme Local Government Secretariat.

Chief Gokpa called for continued support for his administration and urged the people to approach his office with whatever challenge their community may be faced with adding that his office is open and the ward councilors, stakeholders and leaders of the respective communities have unrestricted access to his office.

The beneficiaries of the bus donation expressed gratitude to the chairman for prioritizing their well-being.

The women leader of Eleme Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Grace Oluka while thanking the Chairman on behalf of the women said that in the past women were given a pride of place and hailed the Chairman for appointing women into positions of trust and empowering them from their communities.

Also, President of Eleme Youth Council, Comrade Walter Olaka thanked the Chairman for the vehicle gifted the youths and assured him that the youths of the local government under his watch are more active and responsible.

He assured the people of the LGA that the EYC is now revitalized to carry out their duties without fear or favour.

27/02/2025

Ogbu Osaro Blows Hot Over Nsi Osarokulu Farmland
• Warns Emere Ngeto, Others
• Threatens to drag RSG to Court over Ring Road Project Compensation

By Margaret Obele Abbey

Prince Ogbu Ochenya Osaro Oluka Ejor has warned His Royal Highness, Emere Joseph Ngeto, Oneh Eh Eta Agbonchia and other members of Agbonchia Community who he described as collaborators to stay away from the ancient Nsi Osarokulu juju forest and farmland in Agbonchia Community.
Oluka Ejor who also hails from Agbonchia in a letter addressed to Inside Eleme also called on the Rivers State Government and its estate valuer, Okey Chinda & Co. handling payment of compensation to land owners in Eleme affected by the ongoing construction of the Rivers State Government Port Harcourt Ring Road project to pay him compensation for the affected part of the Nsi Osarokulu farmland as the rightful owner or risk being dragged to court.
He stated that he inherited the land “ known and called Nsi Osarokulu from his forbearers of the Ogbu-Osaro-Ogbu-Ochenya-Osarombie Makani family of Agbonchia Eleme who he said founded the land as the first to deforest the said land and has been in peaceful possession of the land from time immemorial”
He said when the Okulu deity came to Agbonchia Community, his family donated the said Nsi Osarokulu land for the accommodation of the Okulu deity. The land he said overtime grew into a thick forest due to the presence of the Okulu deity in the land and that all those who dared the deity by tampering with the forest died mysteriously.
Speaking further on his title to the land, he said he was away on national assignment as a solider but returned home around 2010 and was told by his late father, Elder Osaro Ogbu that the land in question belongs to their family. Thereafter, his father gave him the land and he decided to cultivate it by clearing it and cutting down the trees in the land which overtime had become a forest. He said that he started clearing the land in 2011 and completed it after five years in 2015 without anybody raising eyebrows.
His words: “My father died October 2013 at the age of 90years and was buried in the year 2014. It is on record that, during the period I, Prince Ogbu Osaro cleared the land, His Royal Majesty, S.O. Ejire, Oneh Eh Eleme (King of Eleme Kingdom)/ Paramount Ruler of Agbonchia Community at the time was alive and did not oppose or challenge me, knowing full well that the land in question belongs to the Ogbu-Osaro-Ogbu-Ochenya-Osarombie Makani family in Agbonchia Eleme where I hail from;
“Apart from the King of Eleme which represents the highest traditional authority in Agbonchia and Eleme at the time and therefore knew the ancestral history and ownership of the land in question and didn't contest the ownership or proclaimed that the land is communally owned, the Juju priest of Okulu, George Okpara Olaka Akeh of Aluejor Makani in Agbonchia was alive and lived beyond 2015 before his death recently. He too which represented a part of the traditional authority in the community didn't interrupt or question me over the clearing of the forest, knowing full well that the land in question belongs to me”.
He said the former King of Eleme and the land Priest then did not attempt to tow that path of argument or contest that the land in question was communally owned to avoid distorting the age-long land ownership culture and customs of Eleme people as applicable to Agbonchia Eleme.
He, however, stated that when some individuals who tried to meddle into the clearing of the land by him brought in Policemen from Eleme Division to arrest him on false allegation of trespassing into community land, the Police arrested him and conveyed all the woods hued down by him to the Eleme Police Headquarters, Ogale as Exhibit. He further stated that, the persons who reported to the Police could however not show up to pursue the case for fear of the consequences of their action which prompted the Police to call on him to come and carry away his log of woods which he gladly did.
Osaro said he returned home around May 2022 to see the weekly Market in Agbonchia holding on the land and demanded dues which the women reluctantly paid to him. He then issued quit notice to the women who then approached His Royal Highness, Emere Joseph Ngeto in August, 2022 and that, after a meeting with the women, Emere Ngeto directed the women to comply with the payment of daily and weekly dues and tolls to him on the ground that he is the rightful owner of the land.
He said since then, particularly from January, 2023 when the women resumed buying and selling in the land, he has been in charge of the land and collects dues and tolls from the women in the Cassava Market situated on the land until this day. He said he cultivated a farm on the property in question with plantain plantation, a fish pond including the cassava market where he collects toll all on the large expanse of land. He said, in addition to live trees showing the demarcation of the land, he has a survey plan covering the area of the land in question as the bonafide owner;
Prince Ogbu Osaro further stated that, when government officials handling the enumeration and assessment of land owners affected by the on-going Port Harcourt Ring Road came to Agbonchia Community, that he presented himself as the authentic and rightful owner of the property in question and was not challenged by any individual in respect of the land until his name was shortlisted and the news got to some members of the community who felt he should not benefit from his heritage.
He said those few individuals who obviously want to foment trouble succeeded to mislead Emere Joseph Ngeto as Paramount Ruler of Agbonchia to erroneously believe that the land is owned by Agbonchia Community and started protesting against the payment of the compensation meant for the property to him.
Prince Ogbu Osaro said, “In the light of the foregoing, I urge you to exercise restraint and withdraw completely from meddling into this matter to allow for the peaceful payment of the compensation to me and the just resolution of this matter without going to court.
He however said, should Emere Ngeto and his collaborators insist on disturbing the peaceful possession and enjoyment of the land in question by him, he would not hesitate to institute legal action against him and all other interested parties in the matter to ensure that justice is done.

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Inside Eleme Newspaper

27/02/2025

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