HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom in Delta State, has lauded the judiciary and media for their roles in the recent favorable judgment regarding a land dispute between the kingdom and the Nigerian Army. Speaking at his Palace in Effurun after an appreciation rally, HRM Sideso emphasized the importance of upholding justice, stating that both the judiciary and media stood for what is right.
The Effurun High Court, under the jurisdiction of Justice Roli Daibo-Harriman, declared the purported acquisition of parts of Ohore 1 Community Land by the Nigerian Army as “null and void” and deemed their invasion as “trespass.” Furthermore, the court fined the Army N1 million and affirmed the Ohore people’s entitlement to statutory Right of Occupancy for the entire land in question.
HRM Sideso revealed that despite previous attempts at peaceful resolution with the Nigerian Army, the kingdom resorted to legal recourse after continuous encroachment on their land. He recounted the history of the land’s allocation to the Federal Government for the Nigerian Defence Academy, expressing disappointment at the Army’s deviation from the agreed terms and commercial exploitation of the land.
Expressing gratitude for the support received, HRM Sideso stressed the significance of reclaiming their land for the community’s well-being. He called out individuals who colluded with the Army for personal gain, urging them to rectify their actions.
Additionally, he acknowledged the media’s role in advocating for justice and the kingdom’s cause, emphasizing their collective determination to reclaim what rightfully belongs to the Uvwie Kingdom.
IMAGE: Vanguard
