Ifechukwude Okonjo, Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Once Jailed in U.S. for Theft
Ifechukwude Okonjo, the current Obi of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State, Nigeria, was previously convicted of theft in the United States, a fact that remained unknown until recently. The shocking revelation surfaced after court documents indicated his criminal history in Maryland, USA.
Ascension to the Throne
Okonjo was crowned the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku in September 2019, following the death of his father, Professor Chukuka Okonjo. At the time, the local community had no knowledge of his criminal past in the U.S., where he had been sentenced for theft in 1997.
Details of U.S. Conviction
According to court records obtained, Ifechukwude Okonjo was criminally indicted in April 1995. He faced charges related to the theft of computer equipment valued at over $300. His younger brother, Onyema Okonjo, was also implicated and later convicted of a similar offense in January 1998.
The documents reveal that both brothers were released on bail but failed to appear for subsequent court hearings, resulting in the forfeiture of their bail bonds. Mr. Okonjo was sentenced to six months in prison, while his brother received a 57-day sentence. It remains unclear if the two served their jail terms or fled back to Nigeria.
Community Petition Raises Concerns
The past criminal record of Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo came to light after concerned community members unearthed the court documents. A petition was subsequently filed with the Delta State Government and the State Security Service (SSS), alleging Okonjo’s involvement in land grabbing, illegal arms dealings, and harassment of local residents.
The petition, dated October 4, 2024, was authored by the law firm F.O. Okolie on behalf of community members, including Chiedu Enwenwa, Hyacinth Okolie, Ellen Adigwe, and Bruce Ugo Emordi. They accuse the traditional ruler of forming militia groups and employing armed vigilantes to intimidate locals, sparking fears of imminent conflict.
Response from the Palace
The palace of Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo dismissed the theft conviction claims as baseless. In a conversation with a Premium Times reporter, Onyema Okonjo, the brother of the traditional ruler, denied knowledge of any U.S. criminal record. He asserted that the allegations of land grabbing were unfounded, stating that all lands in Ogwashi-Uku are held in trust by the Obi according to community customs.
Onyema further added that the SSS should investigate the claims of recruiting armed gunmen into the community’s security outfit. He, however, refused to address the court documents confirming his own conviction.
Commission of Enquiry Launched
Amid mounting tension, the Delta State Government has set up a commission of enquiry to probe the allegations against Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo. The commission, led by lawyer Gabriel Eze-Owenz, is scheduled to begin public hearings on November 9, 2024, with findings expected by November 20.
The Controversial Rise to Power
The emergence of Ifechukwude Okonjo as the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has sparked a significant debate, especially after the revelation of his criminal history in the U.S. Despite his conviction, the traditional ruler continues to wield influence and control in the local community.
Ongoing Investigations
The SSS is expected to look into the allegations thoroughly, including the claims of land disputes and the alleged recruitment of armed militias. The investigation will determine whether the accusations have merit or if they are politically motivated attempts to discredit the ruler.
Public Reaction
The news of the criminal past of the Obi has left many in shock. The people of Ogwashi-Uku have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting their ruler while others call for accountability and transparency in the leadership of the community.
This story is a developing one, and more details are likely to emerge as the commission of enquiry and the SSS investigations progress.
