Okpanam community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State has appealed to the state government to end what they described as a “campaign of distraction” against their monarch by a some individuals within the community undermining the authority of the Ugoani. They decried the incessant litigations and petitions filed against their traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu. Their worries stemmed from the activities of individuals who are bent in converting de-acquired parts of community land to themselves. Some of the community leaders and youths carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop the False Petitions,” “Let Our King Reign in Peace,” and “Okpanam Stands with the Ugoani,” sang songs of peace and solidarity while calling on the Delta State Government to intervene and end what they described as a “campaign of distraction” against their monarch. Addressing the crowd, the Ugoani of Okpanam, His Royal Majesty Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, voiced deep concern over the continuous litigations and false allegations aimed at undermining his leadership. He explained that the crisis began after the state government de-acquired part of Okpanam’s land earlier taken for the expansion of the Asaba International Airport. According to him, although the acquisition was handled in good faith by the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who after interventions, the state government de-acquired parts of the land and return to the community and was gazetteed in Pointer newspaper. However, some individuals within the community who are driven by greed, forged documents and signatures in an attempt to resell the de-acquired land. “These are people from within Okpanam who have allowed greed to drive them into the illegal sale of our communal land,” the monarch said. “They falsified documents and even the signatures of our elders to mislead the public. I have gone to court to prove my innocence and expose the truth. The government and elders know that this land rightfully belongs to Okpanam.” He lamented that internal efforts to settle the dispute had failed due to the involvement of external influences but maintained his desire for peace and reconciliation. “As a father, I still pray for them to return home, seek forgiveness, and be reintegrated into the community. But until then, the law must take its course,” he added. The President-General of the Okpanam Community, Dr. Paul Nwayilani, recounted that the issue had persisted for years due to the actions of a few land speculators colluding with outsiders. He noted that while the community once sued the state government over compensation for the airport land, the case was withdrawn after assurances that part of the land would be returned which the government did. “Sadly, some individuals secretly went behind the community to re-acquire the same land for personal gain,” Nwayilani said. “They forged documents, filed false petitions, and even dragged our monarch to court. I was arrested simply for exposing their deceit. But the truth will always prevail.” He expressed faith that the government was aware of the real situation and urged it to protect the traditional institution. “We are not against development,” he said. “All we ask for is fairness and peace. Our monarch has always worked for the progress of Okpanam. These false litigations must stop.” Also speaking, the Youth Chairman of Obodogba Quarters, Mr. Chukwuma Agbamujor, voiced the frustration of the younger generation over the continued attempts to discredit the Ugoani. “Our king is a peaceful and caring leader who has always had the interest of the people at heart,” he said. “It is painful to see him constantly dragged into petitions and court cases. We call on both the Federal and State Governments to intervene and stop these malicious acts by selfish individuals.” Describing the perpetrators as “rebellious elements and land grabbers,” Agbamujor reaffirmed the youths’ support for the monarch. “We will not allow anyone to destroy our heritage. Let peace reign in Okpanam,” he declared. The peaceful demonstration ended with chants for peace, unity, and divine justice. Community leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to the Ugoani and urged the Delta State Government to act swiftly to protect the traditional institution from further harassment through frivolous petitions and litigations over land matters.