The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom in Delta State, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, has described as “ridiculous”, allegation by some of his subjects at Agidiase quarters that he is involved in the illegal sale of communal land.
Naija News reports that the Obi, who is brother to Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), challenged anyone to come forward with documents to validate the allegation.
While admitting that some chiefs in his late father’s cabinet engaged in the illegal sale of communal land, he pledged to abdicate his throne if anybody can provide evidence of his involvement in the sale of communal land.
Ogwashi-Uku kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government of Delta State has been embroiled in crisis over allegations of sale of communal land resulting in arson and deaths.
A mob recently attacked the Obi’s motorcade while he was on a visit to Otulu Ogwashi-Uku, a farming settlement.
A youth demanding autonomy from Ogwashi-Uku kingdom, who attempted to disarm a soldier during the attack, was shot dead. The youth’s death resulted in protests, arson and violence.
The Obi, who spoke up on Wednesday at Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government, told reporters that the chiefs in his late father’s cabinet who were involved in land racketeering, have already been suspended.
He said: “It is ridiculous. If I am behind the sale of land, why would I go there to try and look into the matter? That will be tantamount to indicting myself. It doesn’t make sense.
“What I will tell you is that if anybody has any document whatsoever with my signature for the sale of any land, they should bring it forward and today I will abdicate this throne.”
This article was originally published on Naija News