Enugu State Government has published an official gazette detailing findings and recommendations regarding the Okwojo Town Union and the death of Barr. Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu, and other related issues.
The white paper which is sequel to the report and recommendations of a Judicial Commission of Enquiry, recommended the withdrawal of recognition of Igwe C.C. Ude for failure to perform his duties as Traditional Ruler. It also recommended that a community leader Ozo Ramsey Onyia should face the consequences of being banned from being in any leadership position in Okwojo Ngwo for five years.
The Commission further recommended the proscription of The Okwojo Town Union. “That all the dealings of the Town Union in respect of land and land matters should be nullified and set aside.”
The Commission noted that the activities of the Okwojo Town Union aggravated the crisis in Okwojo Ngwo leading to the gruesome murder of the late Ozo Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu.
“The Town Union and without justification trespassed into the late Barr. Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu’s Palm Plantation situated within the Government Forest Reserve Okwojo and damaged part of the Palm Plantation which was duly granted to him by the Government. The destruction of part of the said Palm Plantation created the circumstances that led to the murder of the late Barr. Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu on 23rd December 2015.
“That the land committee as envisaged or provided under the Okwojo Declaration of 1972 should be constituted and directed to review all acts and activities of the said illegal bodies over land. That the Constitution of the said Land Committee under 1972 of Okwojo declaration as well as their subsequent activities should be supervised by the Udi Local Government Council, the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Rural Development, the Ministry of Justice, and any other relevant government organ in the presence of the Police.”
It also recommended “that the trial of suspects in the murder of the late Barr. Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu is ongoing in Court and judgment should therefore be awaited.
“The government should ensure that the police continue their investigation until all those connected with the gruesome murder are arrested and prosecuted. The government accepts the above recommendations and hereby directs the Ministry of Justice to monitor the implementation of the recommendations.”
