Indigenes of Ojeada, Umuda, Afadia, and other villages within Umuaji Quarters in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area, have urged the Delta State Government to urgently intervene in a lingering dispute over compensation linked to the Phase 2A internal road network of the 2nd Niger Bridge construction.
Addressing journalists in Asaba, Obi Nduka Ogochukwu of Umuda village expressed displeasure with the handling of compensation funds by the consulting firm, Odum O. Partners.
He alleged that the consultant, Mr. Okwchukwu Odum, claimed that the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), had directed that all payments to Asaba claimants be routed through him.
Describing the alleged arrangement as unacceptable, Obi Ogochukwu stressed that property owners had fulfilled all documentation requirements and deserved to be paid directly.
He further noted that in other affected communities, Okwe, Okpanam, and Ibusa, beneficiaries received their compensations without third-party interference.
However, when reporters visited the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, the monarch’s representatives dismissed the allegation as “false and malicious,” insisting that the traditional ruler had no role in the compensation disbursement process.
Community members say the situation has been worsened by what they described as contradictory assurances from the consultant.
While Mr. Odum had previously promised direct payment to beneficiaries, they now allege that conflicting instructions are being issued.
The Umuaji community, which has been awaiting compensation for more than seven years, emphasized that they would not allow confusion to frustrate Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori’s commitment to the project.
They commended the governor for prioritizing the development but warned against attempts to derail the process.
Earlier, some residents staged a protest at the office of the consultant, decrying delays and alleging moves to subvert due process.
They have now appealed to the Delta State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS), which supervised previous rounds of payments, to intervene and ensure transparency.
The indigenes maintained that only direct payments to rightful property owners would guarantee fairness and accountability in the exercise
