Udu Council To Prosecute Illegal Land Sellers, Bans Collection of ‘Deve’ Fees

The Executive Council (EXCO) of Udu Local Government Council has resolved to clamp down on illegal land sales, land grabbing and the unlawful collection of development levies, popularly known as “Deve,” across communities in the local government area.

The resolutions were reached during the EXCO meeting held yesterday Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Udu Local Government Council Secretariat, Otor-Udu, and presided over by the Executive Chairman of the Council, Olorogun Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, JP, FCIA.

Addressing the media after the meeting, the Chairman said the Council was deeply concerned over the increasing number of petitions from communities involving land grabbing and unauthorized sales of community land.

He warned that anyone found engaging in the illegal sale of land would be arrested, prosecuted and upon conviction, face the full weight of the law.

According to him, no community president has the authority to sell community land without the consent of the entire community.

He explained that any proposed sale of community land must be preceded by a town hall meeting where members of the community collectively agree to the transaction.

The Udu Council Boss, Oyibode further stated that any community president who disregards this process would be removed from office and prosecuted for acts capable of causing communal crisis.

The Council also reaffirmed the Delta State Government’s prohibition of the collection of development levies, popularly called “Deve,” in communities.

The Chairman directed all security agencies to enforce the ban, stressing that anyone found demanding or collecting such levies would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Delta State.

He specifically warned community Presidents and youth leaders to desist from collecting any form of “Deve” or illegal family payments from individuals or developers, describing such practices as unlawful and unacceptable.

While noting that communities are free to engage in legitimate business activities, Oyibode emphasized that no individual or group should impose illegal levies under any guise.

He urged residents to report offenders to the appropriate authorities, assuring that the Council would ensure that every complaint is thoroughly investigated and that offenders are brought to justice.

The Executive Chairman said the resolutions form part of the Council’s commitment to maintaining peace, protecting community interests, and ensuring strict compliance with the laws of Delta State.

Press Unit Office of The Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council.