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Ogwashi-Uku Town : Possession of the “old Palace” by “Obi” Ifechukwude Okonjo
Monday the 7th of February, 2022, shall live in infamy in the annals of the history of our great town, Ogwashi- Uku. It was on this day that our community, Ogbe Nti-Obi Quarters, Umudei, Ogwashi-Uku, was visited with mayhem – brigandage, carnage and public humiliation by a gang of thugs and street urchins led by “Obi” Ifechukwude Okonjo and his brother, Onyema Okonjo – a duo with an emerging social negative pedigree. They were accompanied by a combined team of armed soldiers and Policemen who provided security cover as they descended on our community and unleashed untold violence on our people. Men, women and children were, without reason, subjected to physical beatings. Nobody was spared, not even the old women whose wares were scattered by the thugs at the old Olie market, as they scampered for safety in the face of the sporadic shootings by the armed security officers. Not done, the violence and mass arrest was extended to the entire Umudei Quarters and the neighbouring Ogbe-Ubu community. It was a huge “confusion everywhere” as a number of people were rounded up, beaten and loaded into a waiting van and placed under arrest by the security men. It was quite a grim and traumatic experience from which we are yet to recover from.
“Obi” Ifechukwude and his brother Onyema and their cohorts marched on to the Royal Palace, the seat of our traditional government and tore everything in view apart. Doors, windows, and all glass wares in the Palace were smashed to pieces with unspeakable recklessness. Palace relics were destroyed. Royal gold ornaments were stolen. Pictures of the past traditional rulers taken with some of their prominent visitors such as the Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Late Oba of Benin, Oba Erediuwa, and the one taken by His Highness Obi Izediunor with the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth the II were all smashed to the hard floor. Private rooms were burst open and palace items were desecrated with reckless abandon.
“Obi Ifechukwude and his brother, Onyema Okonjo emerged from the confusion, gloating with an air of triumphalism and brandishing a piece of paper we later came to understand was a Writing of Possession purportedly issued by an Asaba high Court authorizing them to take possession of our Royal Palace. It was dated the 4th February, 2007, a time difference of nearly two decades.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is necessary at this juncture to highlight the synopsis of events leading to this present ugly development, this will help us with a broader perspective on the entire imbroglio, as there are deeper layers of issues than they appear on the surface.
About a hundred years ago, Ogwashi-Uku was embroiled in an internecine war with the British Colonial administration. A petition which alleged human sacrifice and other crimes had originated from one Mr. Okonjo Emordi to the Colonial government against Obi Nzekwue, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku. Issues were understood differently and the query served on the Obi by the Colonial government was perceived as an affront to his authority as the natural ruler of the great Kingdom. War broke out between the Colonial government and the people of Ogwashi-Uku who stood up to gallantly defend their Obi, their tradition and their land against the intrusions of a foreign government. Several lives were lost. The British suffered losses in the hands of headstrong Ogwashi-uku fighters led, in the main, by great Warriors as Nwabuzor Nwaiyogolo and Agbambu Anika together with Ogbe Ubu warriors. The hostility was called off in 1910 after the British Royal Family lost a very important member to death. Terms of settlement were made and Obi Nzekwue returned to his throne. The Colonial government however continued with the investigation of the allegations made against the Obi. Upon conclusion, it was discovered that Mr Okonjo Emordi fed the authorities with falsehood which brought about the civil war. He was subsequently arrested, tried and sentenced to life – imprisonment. He was taken to Calabar prison, where he served, and died and was buried.
The above narrative provides us with the background knowledge of events which has greatly shaped the issues of today. Mr. Okonjo Emordi was the progenitor to the present – day Okonjo family.
A Court process was initiated against the Obi Dieyi Royal Family by the Okonjo/Emordi Obahai family in 1985 with the claim to being the rightful inheritors to the Obiship position of Ogwashi-Uku. Thus began a long-drawn out legal tussle over the rightful heirs to the throne of Ogwashi-uku.
Although sullen and disaffected by the verdict of both the High Court and the Appeal Court, we, the Obi Dieyi Royal family, are determined to fully exhaust the process initiated by the Okonjo people. We have faith in the judiciary.
The issuance of the Writing of Possession by an Asaba High Court to Ifechukwude Okonjo and his brother is tantamount to a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of Court process as the matter is still a subject of litigation at the Federal Court of Appeal, Benin City, and the appellate court is yet to make a determination on it. Our Lawyers have been instructed to commence immediate actions with a view to setting it aside for its sheer incompetence.
Obtaining a Writing of Possession in February 2022 on a judgment made in 2007 betrays nothing but despair. It is an attempt at subverting justice, and it will not stand.
We understand that the Okonjo people have been seething with rage and subdued bitterness over the manner their forebear ended, we absolve all generations of Obi Dieyi Royal Family of the consequences of his treachery.
The violence meted out to our people by Ifechukwude and his brother Onyema will not be first of its kind. In their father’s time, several of such beatings were visited on our people from time to time. A particular visit had so much shooting by the security agents who accompanied him to our community leading to the death of one of our beloved brothers. We are yet to see his corpse till date. With a boast of having a global citizen in their kitty, we are always told by these people that we are hopeless and helpless as they will always overwhelm with their connections.
We condemn the so-called “recovery” of the “old Palace” and the violence and wanton destruction deployed in that exercise by the security officers. It needs be said here that the Palace in question was built by Obi Nzekwue. It has served as the residence of five generations of Kings who have reigned after him. Each of them bringing renovations to Palace structures. Obi Ezenwani, it was who built it to its present standard.
As we speak, several of our brothers are in detention and accused of things they know nothing about. We call for their immediate release or alternatively have them charged to court with full access to their Lawyers. We remain dismayed over the powers of an individual to use our military to intimidate innocent people in a matter that is purely civil.
Before concluding, we wish to clear the air on the substantive matter at the Supreme Court. It is a subsisting matter. It is yet to be heard and determined.
We enjoin our people to discountenance with the lies calculated to misleading them.
Our position is reiterated to the effect that nothing about the Obiship case has been finally determined.
Ifechukwude Okonjo’s failed attempt at a violent take–over of Ogwashi-Uku palace was to foist legitimacy and acceptance upon himself. Piqued by the people’s apathy at his claims to loyalty, it was a desperate move but a false one. It changes nothing.
We, the Obi Dieyi Royal Family, command the loyalty, acceptance and recognition of the people of Ogwashi-Uku as the authentic royal family. This is evident in the manner our people troupe out to observe our annual traditional festivities anytime it is announced by our family. Whereas, such cannot be said of the paltry lot of Obahai family who pay a mere courtesy visit to Ifechukwude in his father’s house during his own celebration.
We are a resilient people, strong, united, purposeful, passionate and resolutely committed to preserving our patrimony and royal heritage. We cannot be cowed or intimidated by the empty antics of a strange, little monarchy lacking in acceptance by the very people it purports to lead.
We thank the people of Ogwashi-Uku for their understanding, solidarity and loyalty. You have proved to be no different from your fathers who, in their time, defeated these imposters. We appreciate you.
And to the generality of Umu Obi Dieyi, let us remain steadfast as we have always been.
Uwa Oma nu.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has been barred by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) from further parading or referring to himself with that title pending the conclusion of ongoing disciplinary proceedings and other cases involving him.
“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.
“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings,” the LPPC said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening by its Secretary, Kabir Akanbi.
Besides the “disciplinary proceedings” which the LPPC said are pending before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, Ozekhome and another defendant, Ponfa Useni, are currently being prosecuted before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama.
Ozekhome and Useni are being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for, among others, allegedly forging documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, and engaging in impersonation to lay claim to a property in London allegedly acquired unlawfully by the late Jeremiah Useni, former Minister of the FCT.
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The statement by Akanbi read, “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), at its 173rd general meeting held on 23rd June 2026, approved the suspension of Chief Mike Ozekhome, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.
“The suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, while due consideration is given to the matters under review.
“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.
“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect.”
The United Kingdom (UK) has commended the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing Nigeria’s ongoing recovery as a success story that other countries can draw inspiration from.
The UK National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, made the remarks on Tuesday at the opening of the 4th UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, held at Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.
Powell said the reforms had required difficult decisions but were beginning to yield tangible results in economic growth and recovery.
“The economic reforms undertaken by the government have not been easy, but the remarkable progress Nigeria is making today in terms of growth and economic recovery demonstrates that difficult decisions can produce significant results. It is a success story from which many can draw inspiration,” he said.
The UK official described Nigeria as an “African superpower” whose influence and strategic importance would continue to grow as its population, capabilities and economic strength expand.
“For the United Kingdom, Nigeria is a vital partner—our foremost partner in Africa. Nigeria is an African superpower, a nation that is already influential and one whose importance will continue to grow,” he said.
According to Powell, the UK has strong confidence in Nigeria’s future and remains committed to deepening bilateral relations through a partnership founded on mutual respect, shared objectives and practical outcomes.
“We want that relationship to be a mature and equal partnership, one in which we share strategic objectives and work together to deliver tangible outcomes.
“We have immense respect for Nigeria’s leadership role within the country, across the region and throughout Africa, and we are committed to supporting that leadership,” he added.
Powell also acknowledged the professionalism and dedication of Nigeria’s security services in addressing the country’s security challenges, stressing that Nigeria remains indispensable to regional stability and collective security.
“Nigeria remains central and indispensable to regional stability and collective security. There is simply no substitute for Nigeria’s role in promoting peace and stability across West Africa and beyond,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the continued success of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, describing it as a cornerstone of the two countries’ growing security cooperation.
A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday heard that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai admitted, in a television interview, that he intercepted the phone conversations of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The second prosecution witness in El-Rufai’s ongoing trial, Deji Adeyanju, told the court that he was at the same television station, awaiting his turn to be interviewed on February 16, the day El-Rufai allegedly made the administration on the same station.
Led in evidence by the prosecution’s lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), the witness quoted El-Rufai as saying in the course of the television interview: “We listened to the conversations of the NSA.”
El-Rufai is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over his alleged contravention of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act (2024) and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003) following his alleged interception of Ribadu’s phone conversations and compromising public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians.
Adeyanju, a subpoenaed witness, said he knew El-Rufai as a former governor of Kaduna State, adding that he issued a statement following reports that the former governor was to be arrested by security operatives.
Shortly after the television interview in which El-Rufai featured was played in the open court, Adeyanju confirmed it to be the one he saw in which the ex-governor allegedly admitted to the act.
Aladedoye also tendered a video recording of the interview featuring Adeyanju, which the court admitted.
Adeyanju said the DSS invited him after television interview and was asked to explain what happened while he was at the television studio.
The witness said he told investigators that he was present when El-Rufai made the statements on air and that when pressed further, in the course of the interview, the ex-governor said someone did the phone tapping and passed the information to him.
During cross-examination by El-Rufai’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN), Adeyanju said he did not hear El-Rufai specifically say he hacked Ribadu’s phone lines but that he heard him say, “We listened to the conversations of the NSA.”
When asked whether or not he knew the means through which the NSA makes calls and if he would be surprised to learn that DSS investigators did not ask the NSA which of his devices was allegedly compromised, the witness said those were not his business.
The prosecution tendered an official gazette without objection from the defence. Following this, the court admitted it in evidence.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik has adjourned further hearing till today.
El-Rufai is facing a three-count charge.
* That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on February 13, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s “Prime Time” programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did admit during the interview that you and your cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.
* That you, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, adult, male, on February 13, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s “Prime Time” programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did state during the interview that you know and relate with certain individual, who unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, without reporting the said individual to relevant security agencies and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.
* That you, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, adult, male, and other still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, with others still at large did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to which you admitted during an interview on February 13, 2026, on Arise TV station’s “Prime Time” programme in Abuja and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
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