Disputed land: Kogi communities raise concerns over SSG’s comments

Abujaga and Iyano communities in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State have raised concerns over an alleged statement credited to the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Mrs Ayoade Folashade Arike in respect of a disputed land in the area.

In a statement jointly signed by their traditional chiefs, Attah Okakwu Abujaga, Chief John Ameh and the Attah Okakwu Iyano, Chief Simon Davidson Egwuda, the communities noted that the assertion allegedly made by the SSG that the Echule Abujaga came to settle with Aluaja people in the late 18th century and that there had been disputes over land and fish ponds between Aluaja and Echule Abujaga since 1958, was not true.

They also faulted her alleged claims that the dispute was taken to various courts including High Court Idah, where judgement was delivered in favour of Aluaja in 1983.

They explained that to set the records straight, Iyano is one village with three clans: Iru, Aluaja and Itale, noting that at no time did Echule Abujaga and Aluaja had dispute over land in the past.

According to the statement, the land dispute of 1958 was purely between Onu Iyano and Onu Abujaga which was decided by the Supreme Court on November 19, 1976 in favour of Abujaga.

On the High Court Idah, they said it was purely on three fish ponds regarding Ohimili, Ofe and Itaminyo and that the ruling of the Court of July 20, 1983 was that Iyano and Abujaga should co-harvest the three fish ponds.

They further pointed out that there was no mention of Aluaja in the document and were embarrassed that the SSG could allegedly make the statement that Abujaga people are settlers and that Aluaja are host.

Reacting, the Public Relations Officer in the office of the SSG, Olajumoke Obatomi, said the publication was a mere opinion of the author and should be disregarded.