Fresh allegations of land-grabbing, police intimidation, and the silencing of critics have emerged against the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Ifechukwude Okonjo, following the controversial detention of activist Victor Ojei.
The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo, is facing a wave of fresh allegations involving land-grabbing, abuse of police powers, and the systemic intimidation of community critics. The monarch, who is the brother of WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has come under intense scrutiny following the arrest and remand of activist Victor Ojei, known as “Wong Box,” by the Federal High Court in Asaba. Ojei was arraigned before Justice F. A. Olubanjo on charges of cyberstalking and defamation linked to social media publications concerning the traditional ruler. Local sources allege that the monarch is utilizing his political influence and security agencies to suppress opposition to controversial land transactions, with one source claiming: “If you go to Ogwashi-Uku prison, this is how he jails innocent people from his community who don’t want him to sell their community lands.”
The brewing crisis has further been intensified by reports regarding the monarch’s past, specifically a 1997 criminal conviction in the United States. Court documents from the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, reveal that Ifechukwude Okonjo was convicted of theft involving “assorted computers and computer peripheral equipment, the property of Digital Equipment Corporation, having a value of $300 or greater.” The documents indicate that the offence violated Article 27, Section 342 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. His younger brother, Onyema Okonjo, was also reportedly convicted of a similar offence in 1998, following an indictment that accused the pair of conspiracy to commit theft between January and March 1995.
As the legal battle against Wong Box continues, community members have expressed growing concern over the monarch’s alleged use of state apparatus to protect personal interests. Critics argue that the traditional ruler leverages relationships with high-ranking officials to facilitate land sales to top politicians, including the state’s Deputy Governor. The community source further alleged: “He sold some land to top politicians like the Deputy Governor, so he uses those influences to oppress anybody who talks. Okonjo-Iweala’s brother is just jailing people using the police.” While the monarch has maintained his stance against what he deems defamatory publications, the intersection of his prior criminal record and current allegations of authoritarianism has sparked a significant debate over leadership and justice in the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
READ THE FULL STORY IN SAHARA REPORTERS
NEWS NOW:
