Bishop, Omogho Villagers Protest Alleged Invasion of their Ancestral Land for Airport Project

By Praise Chinecherem

Distinguished United Nations’ Ambassador for World Peace, His Lordship, Bishop Dr. Ozioma Ozoemena had expressed displeasure over what he described as invasion of his community land and his own Agueke village ancestral land at Ikpa-Odo, Omogho in Orumba North Local government area of Anambra state.

There is ongoing demolition exercise in the said hectare of land reportedly said to accommodate the proposed Aerotropolis project by state government.

Speaking with reporters on Friday, the cleric, who was former Vice President General of the Community faulted the process as illegality at its peak, cautioning those working for the state government not to be used as instruments of conflicts in the communities.

He cited state government white paper determining the boundaries in the area which he claimed has not been implemented for whatever reason.

He cautioned that Ndikelionwu President General, Mr. Edozie Edmund Obasi, should not donate Omogho land (2,400 hectares) belonging to Iwollo, Agueke, Ubulu, Umunaba and other villages of Omogho, to the government.

While calling on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to give urgent attention to the escalated protests situation in Omogho community as he prepares for his second term inauguration in March, Ozoemena, former chairman, electricity committee assured him of Omogho community’s support of his developmental strides.

He assured his community’s willingness to negotiate and donate some portions of their land for government projects, when due processes of such acquisition of land were followed for the interest of peace and survival of his people.

He said, “I’m disappointed with what is playing out in my community Omogho and the way government officials are misled to invade my community land and my own Agueke village ancestral land at Ikpa- Odo, Omogho.

“The land have all been leveled by government caterpillars, including individuals farms and crops, without any pre- notice, no agreements, nor memorandum of understanding, whatsoever, in the name of siting Aerotropolis Project in the area.

“This is criminality in the highest level and is unacceptable by law and tradition and therefore condemnable.

“Whatever agreements President General had entered with the state government on account of Omogho community’s land cannot be sustained, because it is based on falsehood and illegality.

“Criminally minded individuals should not mislead the government of Anambra state to dent her excellent records and transformational agenda for Ndi- Anambra.”

The UN Peace Ambassador, displayed copies of letters written by Ndikelionwu President General, Mr. Edozie Edmund Obasi, on Ndikelionwu Welfare Association (NWA) letterhead, dated, 27th June, 2023, addressed to: Prof. Offornze Amucheazi (SAN), The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Lands, Awka, Art: Dr. Nnadozie Godwin, (Hon. SPAD, Medicals and Pharmaceuticals), also Acknowledged copy to the Chairman Umuochu village, Ndikelionwu Community, dated, 24/4/2023 and the Government White Paper on the permanent boundaries, on Ndikelionwu/ Amaokpala/Awgbu/ Omogho Land Disputes, 1989.

“The truth is that developments are done on people’s lands, but if any communities have lands to donate for government projects, these lands must be verified on ground, not by Google Maps or drones, and authentic owners ascertained and necessary agreements and due process duly followed.

“These steps will avert unnecessary violence, mistrust and a repeat of Omogho community’s current experience, which does not promote peace and social harmony.

“Again mutual agreement should be entered and the size of lands being donated, considering the fact that people must live first to enjoy development, their means of livelihoods should be paramount and adequate compensations made and clear benefits of such projects for the indigenous communities to take ownership, which is fundamental.

“Omogho community has been peace loving and hospitable people from time. I hope this cry would be addressed very urgently by the relevant authorities for the interest of peace,” he added.