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The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has once again warned that boundary disputes, when left unresolved have historically led to tensions, communal clashes, which snowballed into loss of lives.
Emetu who gave the warning at Government House, Umuahia, during a meeting with the leadership of the warring communities, Amaba in Ikwuano LGA, Lodu Ndume Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA and Olokoro community in Umuahia South LGA, made it clear that his priority is to ensure a transparent, fair, and lasting resolution.
During the meeting, the Deputy Governor, assured all parties that his assessment would be strictly based on verifiable facts, emphasizing that internal community disputes such as the one under discussion, should not be difficult to resolve if all parties present accurate and historical documentation rather than relying on emotions or hearsay.
Emetu used the opportunity to remind all present that Abia State shares boundaries with seven other states, making land matters highly sensitive and requiring careful handling, expressing disappointment that despite being given a full week’s notice, HRM Eze Sir Donatus Ibe Aguiyi and his delegation failed to provide the necessary documents to support their claims.
He warned that such lackadaisical attitude could delay the resolution process and urged all the parties to come fully prepared at the next meeting, as his office would not entertain unnecessary delays just as he assured the delegations that archival records, land maps, and historical documents from government institutions would be thoroughly reviewed to ensure that justice prevails.
Emetu enjoined all the parties to submit any additional supporting documentation before the next sitting and warned against any attempt to incite tensions or misrepresent facts.
The Abia Deputy Governor emphasized that his office would handle the matter with utmost seriousness, as land issues are critical and can lead to catastrophic consequences if not addressed with caution, fairness, and transparency.
Earlier, during the meeting, HRM King O’tuwa 1st of Amaoba Autonomous Community, Ikwuano LGA, stressed the importance of historical accuracy and peaceful resolution in the matter.
He outlined the documented history of the boundary, emphasizing that verifiable facts must guide the discussion, reiterating his firm commitment to preventing violence, cautioning that any escalation could lead to irreversible consequences.
O’tuwa said, “We must rely on established records, maps, and archival materials to guide our discussions and decisions. Only through a diligent, evidence-based approach can we resolve these issues to the satisfaction of all parties involved,”
Also speaking, Prince Nkume, a native of Isiala Oboro, affirmed the authenticity of the traditional ruler’s claims. He submitted a collection of documents, including attachments from the Census Tribunal 2006—where he represented Ikwuano LGA—and further rulings issued between 2007 and 2011 under code 075, which confirmed that Government College falls under Ikwuano LGA. Additionally, he presented a detailed land schedule.
On his part, Chief Ikekwu Godfrey, speaking for Olokoro, reinforced HRM King O’tuwa 1st’s arguments. He backed his position by presenting the 1989 ruling document to the Deputy Governor, who committed to obtaining a certified true copy for verification.
HRM Eze Sir Donatus Ibe Aguiyi, representing Lodu, who stated that there was no boundary dispute between Lodu and Amaoba, said he acknowledged that his delegation had come unprepared with documents despite being given a one-week notice.
He promised the Deputy Governor that the necessary documents would be presented at the next meeting.
Alluding to his claim, Royal High Chief Nkejika Odokara, the Village Head of Lodu, acknowledged that there was no conflict between their communities, emphasizing their shared heritage.
The meeting provided an avenue for representatives from the communities of Olokoro and Lodu to present their perspectives on the ongoing boundary dispute. It was also a follow-up meeting to continue discussions initiated by the Paramount Traditional Ruler of Amaoba, HRM King O’tuwa 1st.
Southeastposts reports that Olokoro delegation was led by the Village Head, Chief Daniel Ikekwere, with Chief Ikekwu Godfrey serving as spokesperson. For Lodu, HRM Sir Donatus Ibe Aguiyi led the delegation while the meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, February 18, 2025, for further hearing.
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