News
Delta Government Resolves Ogbe-Ijoh Aladja/Land Dispute.
By Tobouke Jemine
The land dispute of decades between the communities of Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja has been resolved by the Delta State Government. The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, disclosed this during a stakeholders meeting on the Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja boundary dispute held at the office of the SSG.
At the meeting, Dr. Emu who delved into the history of the dispute noted how past administrations in the State had tried to resolve it by setting up various panels of inquiries such as the Justice Azinge Inquiry of 1996, Justice Nwulu Inquiry of 2009, and Prof. Ekoko’s Panel of 2016 to settle the issue to no avail . The SSG mentioned how the peace efforts of well-meaning individuals did not yield the desired results.
Dr. Emu said the immediate past administration of Dr.Ifeanyi Okowa also made efforts to resolve the conflict demarcating the boundaries between the two communities from Warri River up to Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja road to the satisfaction of both communities but the demarcation from this point up to Major General Dumeje’s Canal was not acceptable to them.
The SSG said that it is those engagements and peace efforts that has led to this comprehensive stakeholders meeting and re-affirmed Governor Sherrif Oberevwori’s commitment to the course of peace, security and development across the state. He went on to state that this meeting with all the major stakeholders would be the last mediation stride by the Government to put an end to the boundary conflict between the two Communities, so that the needed development can be introduced to the area.
Dr Emu in his concluding words stated that the Government has settled for the boundary line already established by the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution and that the land from Warri River up to Major General Dumeje’s Canal is upheld by government. The SSG also stated that the State Government has acquired the remaining portion of the disputed land which starts from Major General Dumeje Canal as a reserve, saying that a gazette will be issued in due time to this effect.
High Chief Anthony Jolomo, who representated the Pere of Ogbe-ijoh kingdom in Warri South West, and two others, in their remarks, commended the State Government for the peace efforts and meeting and appealed to the Government not to procrastinate the implementation of its resolutions as delay jeopardized previous peace initiatives.
In like manner, the representative of the traditional ruler of Aladja, Chief Otto Ogbiruruets expressed his appreciation to the State Government for this peace meeting and the resolutions, nothing that it was the first of its kind, but counselled that both sides keep to the resolutions so that the desired peace and development could be attained.
The Obuzor of Ibuzor, His Royal Majesty, Obi, Prof Louis Nwoboshi who represented the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council at the meeting also reiterated the importance of harmonious co-existence of communities in the State, while addressing Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities to maintain the peace brokered between them by the State government.
Other stakeholders and well-meaning Deltans in the meeting include the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; representative of the Director, Department of State Services (DSS); representative of the Commissioner of Police and the representative of the Commanding Officer, Amphibious Battalion, Warri; Special Adviser on Peace building and Conflict resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor; the Director General Security, Hon David Tonwe, among others.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.
News
Burutu LGA Chairman, Commissioner for Housing Inspect Burial Venue of Late Chief Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo
By Peter Ziakegha, May 10, 2025
Kiagbodo, Burutu_The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Kiagbodo.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.
Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of the central planning committee. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.
Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.