....Insists court ruling did not determine boundary dispute
The Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has faulted claims by some Ibusa indigenes of a territorial victory following a ruling by the Delta State High Court, Asaba, insisting that the decision did not determine the boundary dispute between the two communities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Palace said the ruling in Suit No. AKU/11/2024 arose from a preliminary objection and should not be misconstrued as a substantive judgment on the disputed boundary at Ubu Stream.
The suit involves His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, and others.
The Palace described reports portraying the ruling as a victory for Ibusa as misleading, maintaining that the decision neither established a new boundary nor transferred Ogwashi-Uku communal lands to Ibusa.
It reaffirmed the kingdom’s position that the Oboshi River remained its recognised boundary with Ibusa, arguing that the specific lands covered by the historical litigation must be distinguished from broader territorial claims.
The Palace also disclosed that issues surrounding the execution and enforceability of the over 40-year-old judgment relied upon by the Ibusa parties were already before the Court of Appeal.
It argued that the age, scope and enforceability of the judgment raised legal questions requiring judicial determination.
“The mere existence of a historical judgment does not automatically entitle anyone to execute it more than forty years later, disregard applicable legal procedures, or extend its geographical scope beyond the lands and parties actually covered by its terms,” the statement said.
Describing celebrations over the ruling as premature, the Palace said its legal team would challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal, insisting that the judicial process was far from concluded.
It cautioned residents of both communities against using the ruling as justification for trespassing on disputed lands, intimidating farmers, engaging in unlawful land transactions or attempting to alter boundaries by force.
The Palace urged security agencies to remain vigilant and prevent individuals from exploiting the dispute to cause tension between the neighbouring communities.
While reaffirming Ogwashi-Uku’s commitment to defending its ancestral lands through lawful means, it appealed to residents of both communities to embrace restraint and peaceful coexistence.
“The judicial process is continuing. Those celebrating prematurely would do well to exercise patience and allow the appellate courts to determine the outstanding legal questions,” the statement added.
