The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, has spoken against expansionist ambition under any guise, saying that it is no longer fashionable.
The Asagba, who was speaking when a delegation of the Otulu community, in Aniocha South Local Government Area, visited to seek his intervention in the land dispute between it and Ogwashi-Uku, described the situation as worrisome and unfortunate.
He, however, expressed delight that government had stepped into the matter by setting up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which had concluded its assignment and submitted its report.
The Monarch, a renowned Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said at this point the wisdom of government must be respected, adding that the wheel of government was like the wheel of justice, which grinds slowly to ensure that the facts of a case of that nature were not overlooked, while waiting for the right advice.
Asagba Prof Azinge said he was happy to note that the Otulu community was well represented at the Panel of Inquiry and also tendered the necessary affidavits, court judgements and other documents to support its claim of being an autonomous community.
The highly revered traditional ruler, therefore, advised the community to remain calm pending when the state government would release a White Paper on the Inquiry and put the matter to rest.
He thanked the community for adopting a peaceful approach to the matter, stressing that their belief that two wrongs could not make a right was the best way to go.
Earlier, while briefing the Asagba on the alleged encroachment and sale of Otulu community land by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, the leader of the delegation, Prince Chukwudi Mgbanwa, claimed that the community had no bearing with Ogwashi-Uku.
Prince Mgbanwa pointed out that there was a High Court judgement of 1971 and a Supreme Court judgement of 1975 granting Otulu an autonomous status, adding that the community had petitioned to the relevant agencies and appeared before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the state government late last year to challenge the annexation of the community by Ogwashi-Uku.
He expressed worry about the delay in the release of the White Paper on the Inquiry and urged the Asagba to intervene.
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