A planned protest by some individuals facing terrorism and attempted murder charges at the Federal High Court, Asaba, ended in embarrassment on Thursday as residents of Ogwashi-Uku distanced themselves from the move against their traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II.
The demonstration, organised by a faction of the so-called Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), was reportedly led by Mr. Okolie, who claims to be the group’s “home president,” alongside Mr. Elue Adigwe, who is standing trial for terrorism and attempted murder, and others including Mr. Izu Osammor, Ojo Izediunor, and John Nwaona.
The group, during the protest, alleged that they were being tried “unfairly” and called on the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku to “stop” their criminal prosecution — a demand that has been widely criticised as unreasonable and unlawful.
They also accused the monarch of selling community lands near the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku — property lawfully recovered from land grabbers through a valid judgment of the Delta State High Court. The protesters reportedly described the court’s decision as “illegal,” despite the ruling being issued by a competent court after full trial and executed in accordance with due process.
Despite allegedly hiring 18 buses to transport supporters to Asaba, the group’s plans collapsed when community members refused to join the march. Witnesses said only about 25 people eventually participated in the protest, most of whom are also facing criminal charges. The event, intended to be a large demonstration, turned into what observers described as “a pitiable and embarrassing spectacle.”
According to eyewitnesses, the protest further exposed the desperation of the faction to cause unrest in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. Residents reportedly reaffirmed their loyalty to the Obi and expressed satisfaction with the peace and development recorded under his reign.
Community elders, reacting to the development, described the protest as “the last kick of a dying horse,” adding that “no amount of deceit or rented crowd politics will erase the truth — that the Obi’s leadership, backed by lawful court judgments, has restored dignity, order, and progress to Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.”
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