Ifiekporo Elders’ Council React To Egbokodo Community Land Claims
The elders cited a 1958 court ruling affirming their ownership of Ugbomeji and Ugogoegin, and urged Egbokodo to avoid conflict.
The Elders’ Council of the Ifiekporo community in Warri South Local Government Area has formally responded to a press conference held by the Egbokodo community on Friday, December 6, in which they claimed ownership of the Ugbomeji and Ugogoegin lands.
During the conference, the Egbokodo community presented land documents to support their claims.
These claims followed a groundbreaking ceremony organized by the Warri South Local Government Council for the construction of a bridge connecting the main Ifiekporo community to the islands, aimed at promoting development.
ALSO READ: Agbateyiniro Flags Off Ifiekporo Link Bridge, Road Projects in Warri
In a press briefing on Tuesday, November 10, the Elders’ Council, led by Pa George Mogbeyiteren, the Olaraja of Ifiekporo, and represented by Pa Michael Domino, refuted Egbokodo’s claims, citing a 1958 court ruling that affirmed Ifiekporo’s ownership of both the Ugbomeji and Ugogoegin lands. The council stated that, despite their desire to avoid unnecessary disputes, they were compelled to respond to protect the community’s interests.
The 1958 court case between Ifiekporo Community and Egbokodo Community, with Suit No. W/95/1958, was heard before Justice Rhodes-Vivour, who ruled that Ifiekporo had long owned the lands in question.
Pa Francis Eyifoma, a member of the Ifiekporo Elders’ Council, further disclosed that Justice Rhodes-Vivour had ruled that Ifiekporo’s ancestors had occupied the Ugbomeji land for many years, with evidence presented by the community detailing the locations of their farms, shrines, and fishing huts on the land.
Pa Jala Nami, a member of the Ifiekporo Elders’ Council, while extending an olive branch, called on the people of Egbokodo to refrain from inciting conflict over the lands. He urged them to respect the law and avoid falling prey to individuals seeking to disrupt peace between the two communities for personal gain.
Also, Peter Ede, the former Chairman of Ifiekporo community, urged the Elders to educate the younger generation in Egbokodo. According to him, the land dispute began four years ago during the reign of Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri. The community had presented the court ruling to the previous monarch.
The meeting concluded with a call for both communities to seek peaceful and lawful resolutions to any disputes, rather than going to the media with incomplete or misleading information.
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