The Oworo community, in Lokoja local government of Kogi State, has raised alarm over continuous poaching of its land and historical injustices that threaten the very fabric of Oworoland.
At a press briefing organised by the Oworo Foundation in Abuja on Thursday, they also expressed worries over the recent approval of traditional stools which included the Ohi of Ajaokuta, Ohireba Aniebira of Lokoja, and Ohiekura of Osara by the governor of Kogi state, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Oworo Foundation said the approval is uncalled for, adding that it has sparked widespread concern among Oworo people.
After the briefing, the people in a statement signed on behalf of the Oworo Foundation by Mr Yomi Berida, the people argued that historical records confirm that Ajaokuta was a district in Oworo Division, while Osara and Lokoja were integral communities within Oworoland.
They stated further that the Olu of Oworo stool was established in 1825, saying it predated the Ohinoyi stool, created in 1860.
According to them, the historical context underscored Oworo’s deep-rooted connection to these lands.
It reads: “The approval of traditional stools by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, including the Ohi of Ajaokuta, Ohireba Aniebira of Lokoja, and Ohiekura of Osara is uncalled for as it has sparked widespread concern among our people.
“Historical records confirm that Ajaokuta was a district in Oworo Division, while Osara and Lokoja were integral communities within Oworoland. The Olu of Oworo stool, established in 1825, predates the Ohinoyi stool, created in 1860. This historical context underscores Oworo’s deep-rooted connection to these lands.
“The Oworo people are gravely worried that the continuous encroachment on their land will lead to the erosion of their cultural heritage and identity. They assert their rights as the aboriginal inhabitants of the Niger-Benue Confluence area, citing a lack of historical basis for Igala’s claims of ownership and overlordship.”
The people has therefore, called on all Oworo people, the federal government of Nigeria, and concerned Nigerians to intervene on their behalf in order to address the injustice meted at them.
“The Oworo Foundation is calling on all Oworo people, the federal government, and concerned Nigerians to unite and protect their common heritage.
“Ajaokuta, Osara, and Lokoja are integral parts of Oworoland, and their historical and cultural significance must be acknowledged.
“The Oworo people demand protection of their land and sovereignty, free from external threats and encroachment.
“All Oworo people are urged to join forces to resist external threats and protect their heritage.
“The Oworo Foundation urges every individual to take part in this collective effort to safeguard Oworoland’s future. Together, we can ensure the preservation of our cultural identity and territorial integrity,” it said.
