By Wealth Oghenemaro
The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso (JP), Abe I, OON, has declared that the persistent land dispute between Ugberikoko and Ugboridjo communities stems from the unlawful collection of development levies, popularly known as ‘deve.’
He made the observation while addressing leaders and representatives of the feuding communities, during a peace meeting held at his palace in GRA, Effurun, referencing findings from a committee set up to resolve the conflict.
He emphasized that the conflict, particularly in the DDPA area, arose from attempts by various factions to assert control and extract illegal levies from developers and landowners.
“The dispute has its roots in the collection of unauthorized development charges,” he said. “This practice, commonly referred to as ‘deve,’ is illegal and has been outlawed by the Delta State Government.”
The traditional ruler condemned the practice as a form of exploitation that fuels social unrest and undermines the rights of landowners to develop their properties freely. Citing the Delta State Public and Private Property Protection Law of 2018, the Ovie reminded all parties that the law strictly forbids any form of extortion related to property development.
“This law was enacted to protect developers and landowners from harassment. Communities must respect it,” he added.
He further called on leaders of Ugberikoko, Ugboridjo, and the DDPA community to end all illegal levy practices and work towards peaceful coexistence.
“As long as these illegal levies continue, peace will remain elusive. We must put an end to this harmful tradition for the good of our kingdom,” the monarch stated.
