The son of the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Kogi State, Prince Buhari Omolori Sani, has called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to urgently intervene in a boundary dispute between Oguda community in Kogi State and Okpella community in Edo State.
In a formal letter addressed to the AGF, the prince, writing on behalf of the people of Oguda in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, alleged that members of the Okpella community in Edo State have encroached on their ancestral lands.
He noted that the matter had previously been decided in court in favour of the Oguda community and is currently the subject of an appeal before the Supreme Court. Prince Sani stressed that the intervention is necessary to avert a breakdown of law and order in the affected areas.
According to him, in December 2025, several houses were burnt and residents were displaced from their homes. These developments, he said, have significantly heightened tensions and continue to pose a serious threat to peace, security, and stability within the communities.
Prince Sani clarified that the dispute did not originate as a boundary conflict between Edo and Kogi States, nor as an ethnic dispute between the Okpella and Ebira peoples. Rather, it is fundamentally a case of encroachment on Oguda land dating back to 1975, which has been further complicated by the grant of competing mining titles and their implications for the existing boundary.
He specifically requested the AGF to ensure that the status quo is maintained over the disputed Oguda land pending the final determination of the appeal at the Supreme Court. He also called for measures to prevent further encroachment, occupation, construction, mining activities, or any alteration of the disputed area while the case remains pending.
The prince urged the AGF to ensure that relevant security agencies maintain strict neutrality and protect all parties, rather than allowing their presence or involvement to facilitate further encroachment or displacement.
He further requested the protection of the integrity of the subject matter of the pending litigation so that no party is permitted to take actions capable of prejudicing or frustrating the eventual judgment of the Supreme Court.
Additionally, he called for the protection of the lives, homes, property, and ancestral rights of the people of Oguda, particularly those who have been displaced or affected by the continued encroachment and recent incidents of violence.
Prince Sani also requested a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the continued encroachment and activities within the disputed area, including the alleged removal of boundary markers, the filling of the Ovuvu Stream, and the opening of new sites while the matter remains before the Supreme Court.
He emphasised that these measures are necessary not to interfere with the judicial process, but to protect it and preserve the subject matter of the appeal until the Supreme Court delivers its final decision.
“I therefore respectfully appeal for your urgent intervention in the interest of justice, peace, public order, the rule of law, and the protection of the rights of the people of Oguda and all other affected communities,” the prince stated.