Fresh allegations have emerged against the Obi of Ogwashi-Ukwu Kingdom in Delta State, Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo, with community members accusing the monarch of using police authorities and the courts to intimidate critics involved in ongoing land disputes.
The monarch, who is the brother of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is facing renewed scrutiny following the arrest and remand of activist Victor Ojei, widely known as Wong Box, over allegations of cyberstalking and defamation.
Residents familiar with the disputes alleged that opposition to controversial land transactions in Ogwashi-Ukwu has increasingly resulted in arrests, intimidation and prolonged legal battles.
“If you go to Ogwashi-Uku prison, you will see people from the community who were jailed because they opposed the sale of community land,” a source in the community alleged.
“He sold land to powerful politicians and uses those connections to oppress anybody who speaks out. People are afraid because the police are always involved,” the source added.
The latest controversy centres on the prosecution of Ojei at the Federal High Court in Asaba.
Justice F. A. Olubanjo ordered the activist remanded in custody after he was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on alleged criminal defamation and cyberbullying.
According to court documents marked FHC/ASB/32c/2026, Ojei was accused of making Facebook posts through an account identified as “Wong Box Nigeria,” alleging that the monarch unlawfully sold land meant for youth agricultural empowerment to Chinese nationals.
The prosecution argued that the publication portrayed the traditional ruler as a “land grabber” and triggered derogatory comments online.
The charge stated that the disputed land had already been acquired by G7 Properties and Investment Ltd and that a Certificate of Occupancy had been issued by the Delta State Government.
Prosecutors further argued that the publication was intended to damage the monarch’s reputation, contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024.
Ojei pleaded not guilty to the charge.
His legal team applied for bail, but the court declined to hear the application immediately, ruling that it was not yet ripe for consideration.
Justice Olubanjo adjourned the matter until May 25, 2026, while ordering that the activist remain in custody pending the hearing of the bail application.
The case has intensified long-running tensions surrounding land ownership disputes involving Ogwashi-Ukwu and neighbouring communities including Ubulu-Okiti, Ubulu-Uku and Agiadiase.
Several residents have accused the monarch and his associates of annexing disputed land, destroying farms and using political influence to secure favourable legal outcomes.
A female farmer from Agiadiase community had earlier accused the monarch’s associates of destroying her farmland, palm trees and irrigation facilities with bulldozers, resulting in losses valued in millions of naira.
Residents of Ubulu-Okiti and Ubulu-Uku have also alleged that “consent judgments” obtained through arranged legal actions were used to legitimise claims over disputed lands.
“These communities have been under pressure for years,” another resident alleged. “People who challenge these land deals end up facing police invitations, arrests or court cases.”
In late 2024, the Delta State Government constituted a commission of inquiry to investigate the disputes.
Although the palace later claimed that the commission cleared the monarch of some allegations after reviewing ownership documents, opposition within affected communities persisted into 2025.
A separate petition submitted in October 2024 by TAEUN Ambassadors for Change alleged that a man identified as Francis Ekene Ugbah was kidnapped and disappeared during violent land disputes allegedly linked to the monarch and his younger brother, Onyema Okonjo.
Amid rising tensions, reports also indicated that the Delta State Security Council advised the monarch to stay away from land-related matters pending further investigations.
Separately, PREMIUM TIMES reported in November 2024 that court documents from Maryland in the United States showed that Ifechukwude Okonjo was convicted of theft in April 1997 at the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
According to the report, his younger brother, Onyema Okonjo, was also convicted in January 1998 on related charges involving the theft of computer equipment.
Court records reportedly stated that the monarch and his brother were accused of stealing computer equipment valued above $300 from Digital Equipment Corporation between January and March 1995 in Montgomery County, Maryland.
The reports added that he was later released on bail after posting a $2,500 bond.
