Residents of Owa-Oyibo community in Delta State have formally petitioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over allegations that their traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Emmanuel Efeizomor II, has been illegally selling communal and private lands without the consent of rightful owners.

Over 50 indigenes staged a protest against what they described as unauthorized sale of their ancestral lands by the Obi of Owa Kingdom and members of the royal household. The protesters also submitted a petition to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor.

Leading the protest, Nkeki Uzor Benson, a former councillor and current chairman of the Owa-Oyibo Development Initiative (ODI), characterized the alleged land sales as a betrayal of the people's trust that must be halted immediately.

"We can no longer keep quiet. Our ancestral lands, which have sustained generations, are being sold to wealthy investors while our people remain in poverty," Benson stated during the protest.

He further emphasized the significance of their grievance: "This is not just about land. It is about justice and the future of our children. If this is happening under the current leadership, what will the next generation inherit?"

According to the community representatives, farmlands are being converted into luxury estates with original landowners receiving no benefits. They claim the community has endured years of intimidation, with many residents afraid to speak out against the influential royal family.

Benson confirmed that the Speaker acknowledged receipt of their petition and promised to address the matter. However, the protesters have warned that if their concerns are not adequately addressed, they may escalate their protest to the National Assembly in Abuja and potentially approach foreign embassies, including those of the United States, United Kingdom, and France.

The situation highlights growing tensions over land rights and traditional authority in Delta State, with community members demanding greater transparency and accountability in the management of communal resources.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the palace of the Obi of Owa Kingdom regarding these allegations.