By Ovie Okpare
The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), Nigeria, has strongly condemned what it described as an unconstitutional and provocative boundary adjustment involving Issele-Azagba and Okpanam communities in Delta State.
National President of the CDHR, Comrade (Dr.) Kehinde Prince Taiga, warned that the actions allegedly carried out by key state and local government officials violate the Nigerian Constitution and threaten public peace both communities.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday at the High Chief Government Ekpemupolo Press Centre in Warri, Delta State, Taiga named the Chairmen of Aniocha North and Oshimili North Local Government Areas, the Office of the Surveyor-General, and the Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice of Delta State as parties involved in the disputed boundary realignment.
“The action is illegal, provocative, and could lead to a communal crisis if not immediately reversed,” Taiga warned.
The rights group cited Section 8(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other relevant legal frameworks, which clearly prohibit local government chairmen from unilaterally altering LGA boundaries.
According to CDHR, boundary changes require a governor’s proposal, two-thirds approval of affected LGAs, a public referendum, and passage by the State Assembly — none of which was followed in the disputed adjustment.
“The CDHR emphasizes that Local Government Chairmen have no constitutional powers to adjust or alter boundaries between Local Government Areas. Such powers are clearly defined under Nigerian law and must follow due process”, he said.
Taiga further expressed alarm that the land dispute between Issele-Azagba and Okpanam is already before a competent court, yet certain parties are taking actions that undermine judicial authority.
“This is not only a violation of Section 6(6)(b) of the Constitution but also a direct attack on the rule of law,” he said.
He cited the landmark case of Ojukwu v. Military Governor of Lagos State (1986), reminding state actors that no party may resort to self-help while a matter is in court.
The CDHR also rejected the “consent judgment” being used to justify the boundary change, describing it as potentially fraudulent.
“There are glaring irregularities, exclusion of key stakeholders, and possible manipulation of judicial processes,” Taiga stated, calling for an independent investigation.
Legal precedents such as Ekpe v. Fagbemi (1978) and Woluchem v. Gudi (1981) were cited as grounds to challenge any consent judgment secured through fraud or misrepresentation.
The CDHR issued a specific warning to all government officials involved, urging them not to allow themselves to be used by land grabbers hiding under the guise of boundary realignment.
He added, “We caution Hon. Innocent Esewezie, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim, the Surveyor-General’s Office, and the Attorney-General to uphold justice and avoid being complicit in actions that could ignite ethnic or communal conflict.
“I hereby urge government officials and the judiciary not to allow themselves to be used by land grabbers operating under the guise of “boundary realignment” in Delta State
In particular, I call on: Hon. Innocent Esewezie, Chairman Aniocha North Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Chinye Bazim, Chairman, Oshimili North Local Government Council The Office of the Surveyor-General and the Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice of Delta State.
“To uphold the Constitution and not compromise justice in the ongoing dispute between Issele Azagba and Okpanam Communities. Any compromise or illegal interference in this matter could provoke a communal crisis and result in a serious breach of public peace.”
The group further demanded for an immediate halt to all boundary-related activities until court resolution, full respect for judicial processes, independent probe into the consent judgment and adherence to original LGA boundaries.
Taiga urged residents of the affected communities to remain peaceful, vigilant, and law-abiding, assuring that the CDHR will continue to use all legal channels to protect their rights.
“We will not fold our arms while constitutional order and community rights are trampled upon,” he said.
