It was an atmosphere of joy and celebration as the long land dispute between the two communities of Ogidi and Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Area was finally resolved.
Members of Anambra State Boundary Commission at the Deputy Governor’s office were present to mark the official settlement of the dispute where the community members embraced peace to pave way for meaningful development in their communities.
The two communities, Umuezeobodo Ajilija Ogidi and Umudunu Agbaja Abatete have for long look led forward to the settlement of this dispute .
The crisis over the land had resulted in crisis a loss of lives and property in both communities.
In an address, Governor Willie Obiano who spoke through the Deputy Governor and Chairman of Anambra State Boundary Committee, Dr. Nkem Okeke regretted that land disputes are taking a dangerous turn across the country.
He recalled that Chief Sam Anyanwutaku brokered peace between Uruorji Ogidi and Mgbuke Village Umunachi in 2018, and stressed that demarcation is merely for administrative purposes.
The President General of Ogidi, Chief Nelson Onubogu admonished the community members against selling the lands which has the ability to destabilise the peace initiative, just as the President General of Agbaja, Abatete, Mr Ernest Ekunie who represented Chief Law Okoye, reiterated that they are peace loving people, committed to maintaining the peace.
A prominent indigene of Ogidi and Chairman of the Conciliation Committee, Chief Sam Anyawutaku who recalled that the land dispute has hindered progress in both communities, thanked God and the state government for bringing the much needed peace.
Presenting an address on behalf of the conciliation and peace Committee, its Secretary, Professor Obiora Ikpeze described the event as historic and divine through the instrumentality of Chief Sam Anyanwutaku who initiated the peace move.
He appreciated God for the successful boundary delineation after seven sittings.
Earlier, representatives of Umudunu Abatete, Sir Ben Onueka and Ajilija Ogidi, Barrister Christian Agali, thanked God and the Governor for helping to salvage the situation.
Prayers were also made for the enthronement of peace in the communities in perpetuity.
Official commissioning of the boundary and emplacement of monuments as well as music performances were highpoints of the ceremony.