Odion-Ogisi Family Gives Urhobo 30 Days to Pay Century-Old Rent

The Odion Ogisi family, recognized as traditional landowners in Warri South Local Government Area, issued a 30-day ultimatum to four Urhobo families to settle nearly a century of unpaid rent.

Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, speaking on behalf of the Itsekiri family at a press briefing in Lagos, demanded that the Oghorogbo, Eyekpimi, Eravo, and Onoriobe families pay the arrears of a one-pound annual rent dating back to a 1928 court ruling.

According to Lori-Ogbebor, the dispute stems from land granted to Urhobo settlers by her ancestor, Odion Ogisi, for farming purposes. She said the original agreement allowed the Urhobo to cultivate two plots of land, but over time, they allegedly overstepped their bounds, prompting legal battles that confirmed the Itsekiri family’s ownership.

“A Native Court judgment in 1928 affirmed our family’s rights to the land and clearly stated that the Urhobo families were to pay one pound per year for its use,” she said. “That order was later upheld when they stopped paying, but they’ve continued to violate the terms.”

The elder stateswoman accused the Urhobo settlers of encroachment, harassment, and disrespect for the legal rulings. “Our goodwill has been repaid with aggression,” she said. “From Odion to Okere is our land. They have 30 days to fulfill their obligations or face legal consequences.”

She also referenced case No. 388/28 from the Native Appeal Court of Warri, which she said provides irrefutable proof of her family’s ownership and the tenants’ financial obligation.

Lori-Ogbebor called on any party with contrary evidence to present it, asserting that the Odion Ogisi family possesses all necessary documentation to back their claims.

The situation now places the four Urhobo families under pressure to respond before the deadline or prepare for renewed court proceedings.