The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II has described as ridiculous, accusations that he is involved in land racketeering in his domain.
Obi Okonjo II is the younger brother to the DG of World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Youths of Agidiase quarters had, a few days back, staged a protested against the Obi accusing him of the illegal sale of their communal land.
He challenged anyone with proof of the allegations to come forward to validate his claim. In his worlds, “I, as the Obi, I have not sold 1 piece of land. If anybody ha any document whatsoever with my signature for the sale of any land, they should bring it forward. and I will abdicate this position.”
He said the land being sold is meant for infrastructure for communal development.
The monarch admitted that some chiefs within the cabinet of his late father, Prof Chukuka Okonjo had engaged in the sales but he said that no single one was sponsored or endorsed by him ever.
He urged anyone with proof of his involvement to come forward with any authorisation signed by him.
Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State has been embroiled in crisis over accusations of land racketeering resulting in arson and deaths.
Obi Okonjo II had, a few days back, visited Otulu, a farming settlement where he had a successful meeting with the settlers. Unfortunately his convoy was attacked on his way back by some hoodlums.
READ: Ngozi Okonjo Iweala’s Brother and Obi of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State Attacked by hoodlums
One of the youths who demanded that his settlement community be granted autonomy from Ogwashi-Uki Kingdom, attempted to disarm a soldier in the huge convoy. The tussle resulted in an accidental discharge which killed the young man.
The death of the youth resulted in massive violent protests, arson and deaths.
The Obi, who spoke up on Wednesday at Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government, told reporters that the chiefs in his late father’s cabinet who were involved in land racketeering, have already been suspended.
He said: “It is ridiculous. If I am behind the sale of land, why would I go there to try and look into the matter? That will be tantamount to indicting myself. It doesn’t make sense.
“What I will tell you is that if anybody has any document whatsoever with my signature for the sale of any land, they should bring it forward and today I will abdicate this throne.”