Efforts to end the long-standing land conflict between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Delta State took a promising turn as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori convened a high-level reconciliation meeting on Monday, appealing for unity and cooperation from all parties.
The closed-door session, which took place at the governor’s private residence in Osubi, brought together key stakeholders from Udu and Warri South-West local government areas. Also present were members of the state peace committee tasked with mediating the decades-old crisis, which has periodically erupted into violent clashes and deepened communal distrust.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to secure enduring peace in the region, emphasizing that development could only thrive in a climate of mutual understanding and cooperation.
“I am encouraged by your readiness to pursue peace,” he told representatives from both communities. “What we need now is patience, understanding and unity to move forward.”
According to sources familiar with the meeting, both Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh leaders expressed a renewed commitment to upholding previously agreed resolutions and pledged to maintain peace going forward. The governor hinted that a formal announcement outlining the terms of settlement would be made public in the coming days.
Participants at the meeting included traditional rulers, youth representatives, and community elders, many of whom expressed gratitude for the governor’s personal involvement in the peace process. They commended the administration’s proactive stance, describing the renewed talks as a critical step toward lasting reconciliation.
The land dispute, rooted in historical claims and boundary disagreements, has endured for years, disrupting lives and stalling development in both communities. Past attempts at peace have been repeatedly undermined by renewed tensions, often triggered by land ownership claims and communal mistrust.
Governor Oborevwori lauded the restraint recently demonstrated by both sides and praised their openness to dialogue. He assured that the state government would continue to support all efforts aimed at reconciliation and would work closely with local leaders to ensure the agreement is respected and implemented.
Monday’s dialogue is the latest in a series of engagements by the Delta State Government aimed at resolving intercommunal conflicts across the state. Observers say the outcome of the Aladja–Ogbe-Ijoh talks could set a precedent for handling similar disputes in other parts of the Niger Delta.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of optimism, as both communities vowed to break the cycle of hostility and embrace peace as the foundation for future coexistence and progress.
