From Simon Utebor, Asaba

The traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, has warned against what he described as misleading interpretations of a recent court ruling on the boundary dispute between Ogwashi-Uku and neighbouring Ibusa communities.

The monarch said the ruling by a Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba arose from a preliminary objection and should not be misrepresented as a substantive judgment determining the boundary between the two communities.

News Gleaner NG reports that Obi Okonjo, reacting to a publication by some individuals from Ibusa, made the clarification in a statement issued by the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanackukwu Emordi.

The monarch said the suggestion that the court had freshly determined the boundary at Ubu Stream was misleading.

“A court’s determination of a preliminary objection must not be confused with a substantive adjudication of disputed boundary rights,” he said.

Obi Okonjo expressed confidence that the issues would receive further consideration at the Court of Appeal, urging those involved to refrain from sensational claims capable of misleading the public and heightening tensions between the neighbouring communities.

He warned that the ruling should not be interpreted as permission to trespass on disputed lands, intimidate farmers, engage in unlawful land transactions, mobilise thugs or attempt to alter existing boundaries by force.

Reaffirming Ogwashi-Uku’s position, the monarch maintained that the Oboshi River remains the boundary between the two communities.

He rejected what he described as attempts to use the procedural ruling as a blanket declaration transferring Ogwashi-Uku communal lands to Ibusa.

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The monarch also stressed the need to distinguish the specific lands and villages covered by the historical litigation from the wider territorial claims now being advanced by some Ibusa interests.

“No amount of media propaganda can enlarge the geographical scope of an old court judgment or confer rights over lands that were never properly adjudicated upon in those proceedings,” he said.

On a judgment delivered about 40 years ago, which some Ibusa parties are reportedly relying on, the palace said questions surrounding its execution and enforceability were already before the Court of Appeal.

It argued that the judgment could not automatically be enforced after such a lengthy period without compliance with applicable legal requirements or be extended to lands beyond those covered by the original proceedings.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the mere existence of a historical judgment does not automatically entitle anyone to execute it more than 40 years later, disregard applicable legal procedures, or extend its geographical scope beyond the lands and parties actually covered by its terms,” the statement said.

Obi Okonjo called on security agencies to remain vigilant and prevent any party from exploiting interpretations of the court ruling to provoke violence or undermine peace.

He said Ogwashi-Uku’s commitment to peaceful coexistence should not be mistaken for a willingness to surrender its ancestral lands.

The palace urged the people of Ogwashi-Uku, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain calm and united, assuring them that the kingdom would continue to pursue appropriate judicial remedies to protect its communal interests.

It also appealed to the Ibusa community to allow the legal process to run its course, noting that lasting peace would depend on respect for the law, accurate reporting of court decisions and peaceful coexistence.

“The judicial process is continuing. Those celebrating prematurely would do well to be patient and allow the appellate courts to determine the outstanding legal questions,” the monarch said.