By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
WARRI: Tensions are rising in Ovwian Community, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, over claims of the illegal sale of waterfront land belonging to the Ekroro family to a prominent business tycoon.
In a Save Our Soul (SOS) message to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Ekroro family alleged that armed men have been deployed to patrol the disputed land, preventing them from accessing their ancestral property.
Addressing journalists, the family revealed that the land, stretching from the Ovwian market to the Udu bridge and bordering Owhase Community, originally belonged to their forefathers. They claim it was partially sold to the late Chief Joseph Jitokun of Ukpiovwin Community, who subsequently transferred ownership to De Wayles Nigeria Limited.
“We are shocked that the influential businessman, linked to De Wayles Nigeria Limited, is now encroaching on other parts of our waterfront despite a pending case at the Court of Appeal in Asaba,” said Comrade Ejiro Ovedje, the family’s Secretary, alongside Chief Felix Sikprako.
The Chairman of the Ekroro family, Deacon Paul Debra, appealed for Governor Oborevwori’s intervention to prevent violence.
“We are peace-loving people, but this provocation is pushing us to the brink. We urge the government and stakeholders, including Ijaw indigenes, to caution the buyer and halt all activities on the disputed land until the court rules on ownership,” Deacon Debra stated.
The Ovwian Elder Council also weighed in, with its Chairman, Comrade William Akpotiwhe, advising the businessman to reclaim his money, insisting the sellers had no legitimate rights to the property.
“The waterfront is under dispute at the Court of Appeal. Any transaction on the land is at the buyer’s risk,” Akpotiwhe warned.
The Ekroro family further alleged that some non-family members in the community fraudulently sold portions of the land, actions they declared null and void.
“We call on the government to act swiftly. Intimidating us with armed men will not resolve this. A stitch in time saves nine,” the family concluded.
This brewing crisis underscores the need for urgent government intervention to prevent potential bloodshed in the community.