Abigborodo Community Challenges Sapele Okpe Leaders To Present Proof Of Land Ownership

The ongoing land dispute between the Abigborodo and Sapele Okpe communities has escalated, as the Abigborodo Community Management Committee demands that Sapele Okpe leaders provide substantial proof of land ownership.

In a stern response to statements made by Chief Onoriode Temiagin and other Sapele Okpe officials, Abigborodo leaders labeled the allegations against them as “false, misleading, and groundless.”

Tensions over the Ugbekoko land claim have heightened after Chief Temiagin accused leaders in Abigborodo, particularly Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, of forgery, inciting violence, and falsely asserting host community status in the operations of SEPLAT Energy Plc.

He also suggested that the historical documents supporting Abigborodo’s claims were mere fabrications, alleging an encroachment by the Itsekiri community on Okpe ancestral territory.

In a prompt rebuttal, Abigborodo leaders affirmed the legitimacy of their claims, stating that their ownership of Ugbekoko is supported by verifiable legal and historical documents that trace back to the British colonial period.

They referenced a 1919 lease agreement, petitions from Chief Okonedo to the colonial authorities, and other official communications, all appropriately documented with the National Archives. “If Chief Temiagin believes our documents are fraudulent, we urge him to provide his own proof of ownership,” the statement asserted.

Moreover, Abigborodo leaders dismissed accusations surrounding the recent shooting of a Sapele Okpe citizen, Mr. Patrick Gageche, labeling it a calculated attempt to incite tensions and derail the investigation conducted by the Delta State Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee.

They described the allegations as a “deliberate distortion” intended to provoke public animosity toward Abigborodo while fostering an unnecessary climate of hostility.

The Abigborodo Community further accused Sapele Okpe leaders of instigating violence against their members. They claimed that youths from Sapele Okpe, allegedly acting under Chief Temiagin’s orders, set up illegal roadblocks along Ugberikoko Gana Road where they targeted and assaulted travelers of Itsekiri descent.

Specific individuals—including Solomon Ayiri Omamogho, Louis Atunu, and Stephen Abaje—were identified as having suffered injuries during these encounters, prompting Abigborodo leaders to call on law enforcement to swiftly ensure justice.

Additionally, Abigborodo leaders reminded the public that the state government is actively managing the ongoing dispute via a special conflict resolution committee led by Chief Edwin Uzor.

They noted their consistent engagement with legal channels, including petitions to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and outreach efforts to SEPLAT and relevant governmental bodies. “While these processes are underway, Chief Temiagin and others continue to propagate false narratives and instigate unrest,” the statement read.

The community also highlighted a meeting that took place on February 5, 2025, at the Delta State Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) headquarters in Asaba, where representatives from both communities pledged to adhere to the state government’s white paper.

The meeting yielded key commitments to peace and a promise to allow the Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee to conduct its investigation without interference.

Despite these agreements, Abigborodo leaders accused Chief Temiagin of breaching the peace accord through ongoing inflammatory remarks in the media.

They warned that such actions could invoke defamation and cyberbullying laws, asserting, “Freedom of speech does not grant license to disseminate falsehoods. Chief Temiagin must be ready to substantiate his allegations in a court of law.”

As tensions rise, Abigborodo leaders have called for their community to remain composed and law-abiding, expressing their steadfast commitment to the rule of law and due process.

They urged law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance to safeguard innocent civilians from further harm. “We advocate for peace and justice. The truth will ultimately emerge,” their statement concluded.

With both communities remaining steadfast in their claims, the land dispute continues to be a potential flashpoint in Delta State. Observers remain watchful as government-led peace initiatives unfold, hoping that dialogue and legal resolution will prevail over discord and confrontation.