OGBINBIRI–OGBUDUGBUDU BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT PROJECT: AGGRIEVED FARMERS PETITION DELTA STATE GOVERNOR AS STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR PEACE
OGBINBIRI–OGBUDUGBUDU BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT PROJECT:
AGGRIEVED FARMERS PETITION DELTA STATE GOVERNOR AS STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR PEACE
A cloud of concern has emerged from Ogbinbiri Main Town following petitions by the Farmer Association of Ogbinbiri, who allege that sections of their ancestral farmlands were destroyed in the course of the ongoing Ogbinbiri–Ogbudugbudu Boundary Adjustment Project, reportedly ordered by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo).
In a statement forwarded to GlobalEgberiTV and signed by Mr. Stephen U Itoko, representing the aggrieved farmers, the association described the development as a grave economic and cultural setback. According to them, farmlands hosting plantain, banana, cassava, cocoa/cocoyam, uchewe trees, and other economic crops—spanning what they estimate to be over 5,000 plots of land—were allegedly cleared without prior assessment or compensation.
The farmers insist that the affected lands are not mere economic assets but ancestral inheritances that have sustained families for over two centuries. They argue that these lands form the foundation of their identity, livelihood, and history, noting that some ancestral graves are located within the farmland areas. From their perspective, the project has gone beyond boundary realignment and has resulted in severe hardship, emotional distress, and financial dislocation for families who depend solely on agriculture for survival.
They further contend that many farmers obtained loans to establish their farms and now face an inability to service these obligations, pay school fees, or meet basic household needs. The association characterizes the situation as one marked by fear and imbalance of power, alleging intimidation against those who attempt to question the process.
However, GlobalEgberiTV’s independent investigation reveals a more complex stakeholder landscape. Findings indicate that the majority of stakeholders, including the national executives of Ogbinbiri and Ogbudugbudu communities, as well as several community leaders, have publicly expressed support for the boundary adjustment initiative and the broader development efforts spearheaded by Tompolo. These groups view the project as part of a long-term strategy aimed at fostering peace, administrative clarity, and infrastructural development in the area.
This divergence of perspectives underscores a critical reality: while the project appears to enjoy broad institutional and communal endorsement, a specific segment of farmers feels marginalized and unheard, raising legitimate humanitarian and socioeconomic concerns that merit attention.
In light of this, GlobalEgberiTV adopts a position of neutrality, balance, and responsibility, emphasizing that development must not come at the expense of human dignity, ancestral rights, and livelihoods. We therefore call on:
The Delta State Government to urgently constitute an independent assessment and mediation panel to examine the farmers’ claims.
Relevant authorities and project facilitators, including Tompolo, to openly engage the aggrieved farmers, evaluate alleged losses, and explore fair compensation or mitigation measures where applicable.
All parties involved to exercise restraint, shun violence, and prioritize dialogue over confrontation.
Development thrives best where justice, transparency, and inclusion prevail. Peace is not sustained by silence, but by listening—especially to voices at the margins.
As the state and stakeholders navigate this sensitive issue, GlobalEgberiTV urges calm, constructive engagement, and a commitment to solutions that preserve both progress and the people whose lives are intertwined with the land.
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