Stakeholders from Ojiegbe-Isu in Onicha Local Government Area and Eguotu in Ishielu Local Government Area have informed the Ebonyi State Government that there is no land dispute between their two communities.
This development follows the controversy trailing a directive from the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru. The Governor had ordered the people of Ojiegbe-Isu and Eguotu village to immediately steer clear of their disputed land until a final peace accord was brokered.
However, sources reveal that the only active land dispute actually involves Ojiegbe-Isu and Obeagu-Isu communities—both within Onicha LGA—rather than Ojiegbe-Isu and Eguotu.
During a high-level peace resolution meeting held in Abakaliki, the Governor—represented by his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila—expressed dismay over the escalating misunderstanding between what he termed "two brotherly villages." Consequently, Nwifuru ordered the immediate dissolution of the existing leadership structures and all standing committees of both Ojiegbe-Isu and Eguotu villages, warning that anyone undermining these directives or threatening peace would face the full wrath of the law.
In a swift reaction, Mr. Simeon Ogbodo, a former President of the Ogboji United Improvement Union, Eguotu, faulted the statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Comrade Ugochukwu Onwe, stating it did not truly reflect the resolutions reached.
Mr. Ogbodo emphasized that there was no land dispute or disagreement whatsoever between the Ojiegbe-Isu and Eguotu communities.
According to Ogbodo: "For the avoidance of doubt, the directive concerning withdrawal from the disputed land was directed at the land dispute involving Ojiegbe Isu and Obeagu Isu communities in Onicha LGA, not Ojiegbe Isu and Eguotu."
"During the meeting, it was established that Ojiegbe Isu in Onicha LGA and Eguotu in Ishielu LGA had no known land dispute between them. Consequently, there was no basis for issuing a directive requiring both communities to vacate land over a dispute that does not exist between them."
He added that substituting Eguotu for Obeagu-Isu in official reports was misleading, as the error altered the substance of the meeting and could create unnecessary tension between peaceful communities.
"We recognise and appreciate the efforts of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and the Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, in promoting peace and resolving communal disputes across the state," Ogbodo said. "However, official communications concerning sensitive communal matters must accurately reflect the issues presented, the communities involved and the decisions actually taken."
He called on the appropriate authorities to correct the directives and ensure public records accurately reflect the actual proceedings of the meeting.
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