Royal Row: Asagba of Asaba and College Provost Locked in Land Dispute

The long-standing feud between the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien, and the Provost of the College of Education (Technical) in Asaba, Prof. Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, has sparked a bitter conflict over a piece of land, with serious accusations being exchanged from both sides.

Reports suggest that the land dispute has caused a significant rift between the two individuals, leading to tension not only between the Palace and the college, but also within the community. The situation reached a tipping point when allegations of illegal mining and land selling came to light.

According to the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Edozien, illegal laterite mining is being conducted on a daily basis by miners, posing a security threat to students and others at the college’s campus. The monarch has asserted that the illegal mining is being carried out by Anene-Okeakwa on land that was initially allotted to the community for a vocational training institute.

The issue was reportedly brought to the attention of the Minister of Works and Housing in Abuja in 2022. Subsequently, an inspection of the area was ordered by the then minister, but the college promptly denied the allegations, maintaining that there is no truth to the accusations.

Adding to the conflict, Offili Mordi, consultant to the Asagba of Asaba, has accused Anene-Okeakwa of engaging in illegal mining and land selling in the Ibusa axis of Asaba under high power tension. Mordi has emphasized the significant threat to the nation’s power sector and the overall economic development of the country, urging the Federal Government to intervene and prevent further loss and damage.

The gravity of this dispute is undeniable. It not only disrupts the peace and stability within the community, but it also holds potential consequences for the future of the students, the college, and the nation as a whole.

As this feud continues to unfold, it is imperative for all parties involved to engage in open dialogue and seek a resolution that upholds the rights and safety of everyone affected. The involvement of relevant government authorities and legal sanctions, if necessary, should be sought to bring about a fair and just conclusion to this contentious matter.

In the interest of fostering harmonious coexistence and preserving the integrity of the community, a swift and amicable solution must be pursued. Only through cooperation and respect for the rule of law can this dispute be resolved, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of all those involved.