Fresh controversy has trailed the Obi of Ogwashi-Ukwu Kingdom in Delta State, Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo, following allegations of land grabbing, intimidation of critics and abuse of security agencies in the community.
The monarch, who is a brother to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has also come under scrutiny over the arrest and detention of activist Victor Ojei, popularly known as Wong Box, on allegations bordering on cyberstalking and defamation.
Sources familiar with developments in the community alleged that the traditional ruler had been using political connections and law enforcement agencies to suppress dissent and enforce disputed land transactions.
A community source accused the monarch of targeting residents who opposed alleged land sales in the area.
“If you go to Ogwashi-Uku prison, you will see people from the community who allegedly opposed the sale of communal land. He uses influence to oppress critics,” the source alleged.
The allegations come amid legal proceedings involving Ojei, who was remanded by a Federal High Court in Asaba over alleged defamatory social media posts linked to the monarch.
Justice F.A. Olubanjo had ordered the activist remanded after he was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on alleged cyberbullying and criminal defamation.
According to court documents marked FHC/ASB/32c/2026, Ojei was accused of publishing claims on his Facebook account, “Wong Box Nigeria,” alleging that the monarch unlawfully sold land earmarked for youth agricultural empowerment to a Chinese company.
The prosecution alleged that the publication portrayed the traditional ruler as a “land grabber” and triggered derogatory reactions online.
Court filings stated that the land had already been acquired by G7 Properties and Investment Ltd through a Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Delta State Government.
The prosecution maintained that the publication was intended to damage the monarch’s reputation and therefore violated provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024.
Ojei, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before the court on May 12, 2026.
The court declined to grant him immediate bail, stating that the application filed by his legal team was not ripe for hearing.
Justice Olubanjo subsequently adjourned the matter until May 25 for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the activist remain in custody pending determination of the application.
The monarch has repeatedly faced allegations linked to land disputes in Ogwashi-Ukwu and neighbouring communities, including Ubulu-Okiti, Ubulu-Uku and Agiadiase.
Several residents had previously accused him of orchestrating forced annexation of community lands and destruction of farms, allegations that reportedly prompted the Delta State Government to establish a commission of inquiry in late 2024.
While the palace reportedly claimed the commission cleared the monarch of some allegations after reviewing ownership documents, disputes over the land have continued.
In another development, a 2024 petition by TAEUN Ambassadors for Change alleged that a resident, Francis Ekene Ugbah, was kidnapped and disappeared in connection with the lingering land crisis, while accusing the monarch and his brother, Prince Onyema Okonjo, of involvement in violent land-related activities.
Meanwhile, separate reports by PREMIUM TIMES in November 2024 alleged that the monarch was convicted for theft in the United States in 1997.
According to the report, court documents from the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, showed that the traditional ruler and his younger brother, Onyema Okonjo, were convicted in separate theft-related cases involving computer equipment valued above $300.
The reports stated that the monarch was initially indicted in April 1995 on charges bordering on theft and conspiracy before later securing bail on personal recognisance after posting a $2,500 bond.
