Residents and descendants of Ogbenti-Obi in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, have written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt what they described as alleged unlawful demolitions, forced displacements, and the desecration of ancestral graves during enforcement of a court process linked to the Ogwashi-Uku Royal Palace.

In a letter signed by Prince Pius Izedlunor, Prince PC Izedlunor, and Prince Diokpa Sunday Nzekwue on September 12, 2026, the community requests the presidency to immediately halt further demolition, excavation and destruction of properties and burial grounds in Ogbenti‑Obi pending an independent determination of the lawful scope of the court process.

The affected descendants has alleged  that persons acting for the Obahai/Okonjo family, while executing a judicial warrant of possession, have moved outside the disputed palace grounds into private homes and family compounds causing  displacement of residents.

They reported that machineries manned by armed securities and enforcers allegedly demolishing private residences including roads and pathways, and erected barriers that prevent residents from accessing their properties.

The descendants complained that family burial grounds and ancestral graves including those of past traditional rulers and relatives within and outside the palace grounds that was erected since 1909, have been disturbed and desecrated. The petition stressed that graves are sacred and must not be treated as collateral damage in a land dispute.

They further stressed that families risk losing homes, possessions, places of worship, remembrance, and their physical connection to ancestors making elderly residents and children vulnerable to cultural distort.

The statement also alleged intimidation and aggressive conduct by enforcers, maintaining that the enforcers are shielded by influential personalities, while prompting the presidency to intervene and investigate.

In their plea, they have requested that an independent federal investigation (with the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Human Rights Commission) to establish the exact scope of the judgment/writ, which properties are covered, whether operations exceeded that scope, who is responsible for unlawful acts, and the extent of damage.

The statement also demands the presidency to conduct an immediate inventory of ancestral graves and protect all known burial grounds; no earthmoving should occur in such locations until their status is established and safeguards implemented.

In addition, it requests for investigation of any grave desecration, including whether human remains were displaced or exposed, who authorised activities affecting burial sites, and what measures will be taken to preserve and protect, document or lawfully restore and relocate the disturbed graves.

It also requests that civil protection should be provided to the descendants to enable them reach their homes without harassment or violations of law, while urging the presidency and NEMA to undertake full damage and humanitarian assessment to determine displaced families, and the extent of destroyed homes and affected burial sites.

According to them, the assessment becomes necessary to preserve historical and cultural heritage by documenting significant structures, ancestral compounds, and culturally important sites before further destruction.

However, they appeal to authorities to ensure future enforcement stays strictly within the law, limited to the property, persons, and boundaries specified by the court and carried out in line with Nigerian law and the rights of non‑parties.