Egbeye Family Representatives Back Ozoro PG, Say Land Lease Was Jointly Endorsed

A senior leader of the Egbeye sub-gate in Osodoma family, Mr. Austin Ubara Ekowo, has defended the President-General of Ozoro Kingdom against allegations of unilateral action in the leasing of community land to Sterling Global, maintaining that the decision was collectively approved by relevant stakeholders.

Ekowo, who serves as the second-in-command of the Ejirawu sub-gate in the Egbeye family, described claims that the lease agreement was executed without the consent of family members as misleading and inaccurate. He explained that Osodoma community comprises three major family groups — Egbeye, Okolibia, and Egbeyiri — all of which were represented during deliberations on the land transaction.

According to him, a series of meetings were held involving representatives of Sterling Global and community stakeholders before any agreement was reached. He identified Emmanuel Ogba, Emmanuel Igbili, Jokey Wede, and himself among those who participated in the negotiations.

Ekowo disclosed that Sterling Global initially proposed an outright purchase of the land, but community representatives rejected the offer and instead opted for a lease arrangement, in line with the community’s longstanding policy against selling ancestral lands.

He stated that the final lease agreement received the endorsement of representatives of Osodoma community, the land-owning families of Egbeye, Erinoge, and Orise, as well as officials of Ozoro Kingdom. He therefore dismissed allegations that the President-General independently handled the transaction.

The community leader also challenged claims by protesters that they were excluded from the negotiation process, noting that attendance records, meeting minutes, and other documents indicated that some of those now opposing the lease were present and actively involved in discussions leading to the agreement.

The dispute follows recent protests by some members of the Egbeye family who accused community leaders and Sterling Global of irregularities in the acquisition and development of ancestral land designated for a proposed oil wellhead project.

Speaking on the issue, another Osodoma indigene, Christian Abebe, also defended the actions of community leaders, arguing that the disputed land is jointly owned by descendants of Osodoma, including members of the Egbeye, Okolibia, and Egbeyiri families.

Abebe maintained that no single family branch holds exclusive ownership rights over the property, adding that all branches have historically benefited from projects located on the land. He alleged that disagreements escalated following the discovery of a new oil prospect in the area.

While acknowledging the ongoing disagreement, Abebe noted that the matter is already before a competent court and urged all parties to respect the judicial process and pursue a peaceful resolution of the dispute.