The Delta state government has urged residents of Ugbolu in Oshimili North Local Government Area to remain calm over a land dispute involving estate developers. Sunday Onoriode, the director of protocol, made the appeal on Monday while addressing protesters at Government House in Asaba. He assured them of swift government intervention and commended their peaceful approach. "I sincerely thank you for bringing your complaints to Government House, Asaba. I am pleased that you did not take the law into your own hands, and I urge you to remain peaceful," Onoriode said. He added that the governor, described as a law-abiding citizen, would review the matter and ensure justice.
The protesters, led by Ofili Okweose, said their land in the Ugbolu-Amachai quarters—spanning hundreds of hectares and owned by thousands, mostly civil servants—had been occupied peacefully for over 20 years. They alleged that bulldozers recently cleared the area and began carving it into a layout without notice. Okweose claimed some officials in the Ministry of Lands created the impression of a government acquisition, though no official markings or documentation supported this. He accused senior civil servants, community members, and estate developers of colluding to sell the land under false pretences.
Okweose described the demolition of properties as violent and unlawful, stating the matter had been reported to the Delta police command with no action taken.
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