I will not bother to cite every detail in this write-up but will simplify most issues
where relevant. It is no news that two brothers will determine the end to the
crisis. I am not here to abrogate and adjudicate judgment(s) and blame(s) on
anyone individual because by now, every Idumuje-Ugboko indigene MUST
have been fed up with same old unsolvable crisis. Before coming up with this, I
have participated, researched and investigated widely every detail to be reeled
out here.
ON LATE OBI HRM ALBERT O. NWOKO III JP; MON & CROWN PRINCE NONSO
NWOKO
Crown Prince Nonso Nwoko is a fine gentleman. A great Uncle of mine who has
known me from birth. In fact, about six (6) years ago, he wanted to see me
have a good marital home by proposing to get me a beautiful damsel based
abroad then who he would love me to marry. He promised to investigate the
girl’s paternity because the girl in question hails from Idumuje-Uno. After his
investigations, he found out that there was a relationship tie between us and
mission had to be aborted. I was so sad my American citizen to be wife relates
to me. I am citing this so that you will see how dear and close he holds me. He
is part and parcel of my family any day anytime and we welcome each other
invited or not.
You see, the only constant thing in life is change. Prince Nonso Nwoko’s Dad
(Obi Albert Justin Nwoko III) loved Ned to a fault that he saw in Ned a super
star and a legend that will beam the face of Idumuje-Ugboko to the world. Yes
Nonso is his son and not only son but the first but favor locates both sons and
non-sons. In this case, the favor was on red in favor of Ned. The Obi was
positive. Every society has someone like Ned who will transform the lives and
practices of the people. The first 33 hectares requested by Ned from The Obi
for agricultural purpose was speedily granted to him without a blink of an
eyelid. The focus is on why Ned?
Now listen very attentively HERE. For your information, Obi Justin Nkeze
Nwoko II JP MON, The Father of Obi Albert Justin Nwoko who is the Father of
Crown Prince Nonso Nwoko, has at different times in the past allocated vast
areas of land for some prominent indigenes like the ALFRED NWOKOS’,
ONAHS’, MOEMEKES’, and the IFEJOKWUS’; just same he did for Ned. Let me
restate this that every parcel of land in Idumuje-Ugboko BELONGS to The Obi.
It is only The Obi that has the vested authority to allocate land to any indigene
as he deemed fit and qualified from such person.
Let me cite another historical event. A wealthy and popular indigene in our
community named PRINCE CHINYE from Atuma quarters, had similar
prospective industrial development initiatives like Ned. He then bought vast
area of land to accomplish his dream. The Obi then Crown Prince Nonso’s
Father, Obi Albert Nwoko III on getting wind that land was bought by an
indigene vehemently frowned at and opposed the action that land must not be
sold to any indigene who intends to develop the community. He then ordered
that every payment made in the name of land sales be returned to the payer
(Prince Chinye) without condition.
The Golf Course and University proposal came to the bare. Prince Ned Nwoko
been inspired and motivated by an advice from Prof Som Nwoko, a then
Professor of the University of Ibadan, has been insistent on developing his
community. Through this advice, Ned
1. Prepared and forwarded to The Obi a proposal requesting for a 90 hectare
space of land to build a University and a Golf Course
2. Informed our Big Uncle and second in command of age then Prince Martins
Nwoko about the proposal. He was tasked as an elder to help convince the
Idumuje-Ugboko Development Union (IUDU) on the need to buy into the
proposal. The IUDU is not saddled with the responsibility for land allocation
but as a town union, they have to be duly informed. Unfortunately, Prince
Martins Nwoko ONLY presented the Golf Course proposal to the union.
PLEASE NOTE that it was not intentional. I really cannot say cogently why
the two proposals were not fully presented. Majority expressed their
reservation and opposition that they cannot allow any further allocation of
land for GOLF COURSE particularly
Before explaining the outlined articles, let me clarify why 90 hectares was been
demanded. For those who care to know, get a Nigerian Universities
Commission Guideline. One of the MUST HAVES is a minimum of 100 hectare
space of land if one must build a university. His intention was by acquisition or
transaction, get more land and add to the 90 hectares because of the
additional Golf Course project
Explaining Article 1
Prince Ned Nwoko formally approached Obi Albert Nwoko III and declared his
intention and request of a 90 hectare space of land to build a University and a
Golf Course. Due to the increased size of the land demand, The Obi forwarded
his land request to the Onotu (Land Committee) which is an organ responsible
for land allocation under the Chairmanship of The Obi. The Land Committee
after a concise review responded in the affirmative to The Obi granting their
approval. Sequel to the Land Committee’s acceptance, The Obi signed and
approved the 90 hectare for Prince Ned Nwoko. Some people reading this will
get crazy here because it was believed as indoctrinated that The Obi never
approved but I am here to tell you categorically that after I conducted my
investigations, it was crystal clear that The Obi signed and approved the 90
hectare. I am not here to trade words but if you doubt it, please find some
time and come down and I will prove it to you. Just to give you one proof.
During the meeting with the then AIG Mohammed Adamu (now Inspector
General of Police), PRINCE MARTIN NWOKO PUBLICLY STATED THAT THE OBI
APPROVED THE 90 HECTARES AS RECOMMENDED BY THE LAND COMMITTEE
BUT THAT SOME FORCES WITHIN THE PALACE WERE AGAINST THE APPROVAL.
This was already a bone of contention and a hook in the throat. Joinders and
rejoinders and rebuttals and all what not have been issued for and against by
both sides on whether the 90 hectare was truly approved or not. This
culminated into the beginning of the crisis and court cases
Before this, sequel to Prince Ned Nwoko’s proposal and approach to The Obi
requesting for 90 hectares, The Obi called for an IZUANI meeting which was
intended to inform the entire community about the developmental stride
about to hit the community. At this stage Crown Prince Nonso Nwoko became
actively involved. He opposed the IZUANI meeting. Meanwhile the gong has
been sounded as instructed by The Obi. It should have been an Obey-The-Last-
Order-Command. Prince Martins Nwoko who was the second in command was statutorily meant to preside the IZUANI meeting as he was awaited but
unfortunately did not turn up. Ned being inquisitive that Prince Martins Nwoko
never turned up, gave instructions to his workers that he be brought to the
venue incase vehicular movement was a hindrance. On getting to Prince
Martins residence, the visitors were worried by the quietness. They knocked
severally but no response. Therefore, the IZUANI meeting for the day had to be
called off due to absence of the Prince Martins Nwoko. The next was fines and
impositions being slammed on Prince Ned Nwoko. I am not here to name
names of who did and who did not. This is only a fraction and synopsis of
events. A coast that was meant to be clearer then became vaguer every
passing day.
Explaining article 2
Continuing from my last statement on article 2, my Dad Prince Dan Nwoko was
concerned by the rejection of the proposal and had to confirm from Prince Ned
Nwoko what actually he wanted. Prince Ned then explained to him fully that
he was proposing to build a University and a Golf Course. Prince Dan Nwoko
was shocked that only the Golf Course proposal was presented to the town
union. As at then, personally, all I heard was Golf Course. I never heard
anything like University. So it was usual to feel shocked. Just as my Dad did, I
inquired from Prince Ned the true position and he affirmed same details as he
did to my Dad. Now for some peculiar reasons of most indigenes, the challenge
became
a. How to re-present the proposal to the union that it was not only a Golf
Course but a University inclusive. This was like a camel passing through the
eye of a needle;
b. What do you want to say when some quarters are bickering to see evidence
of how the first allocated 33 hectares was judiciously utilized;
c. How do you want to convince them that Prince Ned Nwoko even has the
capacity to build a University;
d. How do you want to convince them that Prince Ned Nwoko is not using the
land for personal aggrandizement citing the 33 hectares formerly given
Explaining article 2a
This was a herculean task. This issue gave rise to article 2b, 2c and 2d.
Explaining article 2b
A very important point to note that OVER 500 COWS WERE PURCHASED AND A
FACTORY BUILT to initiate the Agricultural Production Project. Unfortunately,
THE COWS DID NOT SURVIVE DUE TO HARSH WEATHER CONDITIONS. We still
have some left. I will advise anyone who cares to be more practical by visiting
the 33 hectares and witness the amazing agricultural progress. We have made
a lot of publications and videos on this.
Explaining article 2c
The capacity of Prince Ned Nwoko to build a university is not in doubt. I am
strongly convinced he has the capacity to build a university. We have NUC
guidelines which guides any individual who intends setting up a university. In
stages, he has accomplished various steps as outlined. The physical evidence is
very obvious and visible for all to see. I have been opportune to witness all the
activities and efforts of the Project& Implementation Committee of the
Proposed STARS University towards the successful take off
Explaining article 2d
Let me state clearly to the hearing of everyone that the expanse of land that
Prince Ned built his residence IS NOT part of the 33 hectares. This needs to be
clarified due to misinformation and misunderstanding among different
indigenes. He bought the area where he built his home. Please take note.
The imbroglio and impasse persisted. Let us note that multiple peace moves
were initiated to unite and end the crisis but the water always fell on the rock.
From Umu-Omorhusi Family Meetings mostly initiated by Prince Dan Nwoko,
Town Union meetings, The Benin peace meeting convened by the AIG of
Nigerian Police Force, Zone B, The Chief Benjamin Elue Peace treaty ably
Chaired by The Former Deputy Governor Himself, The Aniocha North Royal
Fathers Peace Initiative, individual interventions, and most recently a peacemove by Royal Fathers of Delta North extraction ably led by The Obi of Owa
Kingdom and Chairman Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum, HRM, Dr. E.O
Efeizomor II, OON, JP and many more
ON PRINCE NED NWOKO/PROPOSED STARS UNIVERSITY
Same way Crown Prince Nonso Nwoko held me dearly and closely. Prince Ned
Nwoko has known me from birth. They both were part of early stages. So they
both know me very well. Prince Ned Nwoko as everyone knows is everyone’s
person. He has no limitation. Supports development initiatives in his
community and beyond. I will not say much about him because he is public
himself. For me, I see a man who loves creativity, possibilities, intelligence and
change. He believes that humans must evolve, be dynamic and progressive.
This is exactly what he intends to replicate in his community. I will like to bring
to your attention that in the whole of Delta North, we only have ONE
UNIVERSITY. How do we develop intellectually? Is it not a good deed that a
second University is coming to Anioma? Do we not want advancement in this
jet age and globalized world? How can we continue to do the same thing and
expect a different result? It is impossible. If 90 hectares of land lie fallow in
Idumuje-Ugboko in the next 90 years, what benefit will it attract? There are
some salient questions we need to ask ourselves. Gone are the days when we
acquire vast sizes of land for ego and bragging rights. In fact, under the current
Laws of Delta State, especially in Asaba, if you refuse to develop your land,
government will revoke your papers and take over. There will be a time that
there will be no piece of land lying idle. The world is evolving; people are
building; businesses are springing up; the population is increasing; demands
are increasing; times are changing. We need to do away with this stock-land
mentality. Is it not better to have influx of people from diverse cultures and
traditions stimulate the development and economy of our community?
ADDRESSING THE LIES MAKING THE ROUNDS THAT THE 90 HECTARES IS 75%
OF IDUMUJE-UGBOKO
It is important to note that Idumuje-Ugboko has MORE LAND SIZE than Asaba
and Issele-Azagba put together. From Onicha-Ugbo boundary to Ewohinmi
boundary. The 90 hectares is only a miniature of the town THE HULLABALLOO ABOUT FARMLANDS & COMPENSATION IN IDUMUJE-
UGBOKO
There is the need to inform the public that almost #200,000,000 (Two Hundred
Million naira) has been spent so far with additional #50,000,000 (Fifty Million
naira) to be paid soon. It is also needful to know that Prince Ned is not
forcefully grabbing or intimidating farmers and owners out of their farmlands;
successive compensations have been engaged and fulfilled to the farmers and
owners of the land making up the 90 hectares. The following are lists of
Beneficiaries of the compensation
1. Nkenchor Ugo
2. Ngozi Dibia
3. Ifenayi Nwandu
4. Joel Olisemeka
5. David Usifoh
6. Nkenchor Okwudili
7. Ugo Iwegbu
8. Emeke Osemeke
9. Nwaeke Usifoh
10.Ubuluamaka Olisaemeka
11.Sunday Iwegbu
12.Isioma Osemeke
13.Ndubuisi Okebunor
14.Diokpa Cyril Isichei
15.Michael Usifoh
16.Uzorbundi
17.Dibike Odozi
18.Uche Iyama
Here is a most recent Umuolo Family compensation
1. Iwelumor family 1
2. Iwelumor family 2
3. Isichei family
4. Nwoko Oluchukwu family
5. Chiedu Nwaudo family
6. Okeleke Mokwunye
7. Nwaokolo family
8. Eloke family
9. Chiedu Ozah family 1
10.Chiedu Ozah family 2
11.Otakpo family
12.Samson family
Compensation was also duly paid to settle part of AGBA Royal Family of
Onicha-Ugbo. These are the first set of farmers settled by Late Mr Iloh Kennedy
1. Isieye Ugbome (Late)
2. Uche Alfred Nwoye (Late)
3. Nath Nwulu
4. Felix Iyama (Umuolo Family Land)
5. Clement Isichei & Anazia Alex (Ogbekenu Farm Land)
6. Sunday Bama (Owu Quarters Idumuje-Ugboko)
7. F. C Iyamah (Umuolo Onicha-Ugbo)
8. Alfred Onyeshinye
9. For Monye (Late)
10.Sunday Bama Onodi
11.Chikweye Nwabulu (Late)
12.Ifeanyi Anyasi
13.Akankwu Ugbome (Late)
14.Dan Honnah
The following is an additional list of those who have been paid compensation
from Idumuje-Ugboko
1. Pastor P.I Monye
2. Mr Okonkwo Ashiedu
3. Mr Nkiru Mordi
4. Mr Ndudi Ogana
5. Mr Nnamdi Chiazor
6. Mr Madu Oganah
7. Mr Nnabuife Jebose
8. Mr Sunday Adige
9. Mr Kamaolise Dunkwu
10.Mr Ebele Agbor
There are some topics I will not touch due to current concerted efforts towards
addressing them. As we speak, there are moves to address grievances afflicted
and suffered by both sides. I am tilting more on solution based write up. This
write-up is only a synopsis and an inch of genealogical happenings in our
community
NOW MY CANDID ADVICE
CROWN PRINCE NONSO NWOKO
My Big Uncle and Crown Prince, let me state unequivocally that no one is
dragging your Kingship. From my little days, I have always looked forward and
expecting that you are the Heir Apparent; this is also same belief of every
Idumuje-Ugboko indigene. Bros please see to the implementation of the most
recent communiqué issued by the Royal Fathers, especially ARTICLE 1 which
requires all cases in court to be withdrawn. I am fully in support of the
communiqué. All cases, not an inch should be left not withdrawn by both sides.
This is the beginning of the peace move. You need to be regally inducted into
the Traditional Fathers’ Forum and Council by having your STAFF OF OFFICE.
You have no powers and authority to exercise. For how many years now?
Ensure to the implementation of the communiqué; withdraw all cases filed in
court by you and your team. Ned on his side has, is and will always be ready to
comply with same directive. Heaven will not fall. Mankind has seen the worst
including the most recent covid-19 pandemic outbreak. Man has seen
holocaust, first and second world war, the chamber gassing of over 6 million
Jews by Adolf Hitler. This settlement will only be an addition
Please rescind the fines and impositions on Prince Ned Nwoko. What Prince
Ned Nwoko has attracted and attracting to the table for our community far
outweighs fines and impositions. A man who donated Two Million Naira
(#2,000,000) towards the electrification of the town and engaged in repair of
the Idumuje-Ugboko expressway to the tune of One Hundred Million Naira
(#100,000,000) will definitely not commit an atrocity to attract fine to the tune
of One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira (#160,000)
Rescind the ostracization of your brothers, sisters and other indigenes as
affected. You need us all. You can’t rule in isolation. Ibos always say that Igwe
Bu ike (Number is great strength)
MY CANDID ADVICE
PRINCE NED NWOKO
I always refer to you as a legend because your type exists once in a very long
time. You need to extend the hand of brotherhood to your brother. I am very
aware you have called him severally in the past of which no response was
gotten. It may currently sound undoable but you have to. As long as am
concerned, you are at advantage and have nothing to lose. Engage emissaries
to your brother, even if he keeps rejecting, continue. Sunday preachings are
never enough. We learn new things about God/Allah every Friday and Sunday
and that is why we attend Church and Mosque. There is nothing like
knowledge of entire Bible/Koran and God/Allah. God/Allah has nothing to lose
but we have everything to lose. The Proposed STARS University is a beautiful
concept that needs to thrive on a rancor, hate, battle and crisis free
environment. Strangers will flux the community. A certain level of freedom for
interaction and communication is paramount. You have already commenced
the implementation of the Royal Fathers’ Communiqué which I am very aware.
I believe that Crown Prince Nonso Nwoko should be setting up to implement
the Communique
MY CANDID ADVICE
NWOKO FAMILY
It is pertinent that we see to the implementation of the communiqué by the
Royal Fathers. This is the beginning of the peace journey. As matters arise, they
should be dealt with and thrashed. We have quarreled enough. And I also
strongly advise that on attainment of peace accord/treaty, The Governor of
Delta State, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeany Okowa MUST formally declare it
open to all and endorse with the presence of all stakeholders involved
Ifechukwude Nwoko
N.B
All court cases CAN be withdrawn. Be it civil or criminal. Only if the two parties
agree to terms of settlement and append their signatures to a Memorandum
of Understanding. Humans filed all the cases; not animals