Ovwian/Aladja Communities Raise Alarm Over Alleged C of O Bid for Former DSC Land

By Tare Brisco

Leaders of Ovwian and Aladja communities in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have formally protested an alleged move by Premium Steel and Mines Limited (PSML) to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) over the land hosting the former Delta Steel Company (DSC) complex.

The communities, in a formal protest letter dated September 12, 2026, and addressed to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, described the development as a matter of serious concern, citing the historical circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the land by the Federal Government and the longstanding interests of the host communities.

The letter was signed by Prof. Jomata Lucky Igben, Aladja Community First President General, World Wide; Dr. Richard Lafua, President, Aladja Community Council; and Elder James Mayiko Oghuvwie-Ode, Traditional Prime Minister of Aladja Community.

According to the community leaders, their objection was not directed against industrial development or the continued operation of Premium Steel and Mines Limited, but specifically against any alleged attempt to convert the company's interest in its industrial buildings, installations and other assets into outright ownership of the underlying land without first resolving what they described as outstanding historical and legal questions concerning the acquisition.

The communities maintained that Ovwian/Aladja never sold the land to Delta Steel Company.

They further stated that, based on their understanding of the historical circumstances, the Federal Government acquired the land during the military era under the applicable land acquisition legislation, with compensation reportedly paid for crops, economic interests and other compensable interests rather than as consideration for an outright purchase of the ancestral land.

The community leaders therefore called for a comprehensive examination of the original acquisition documents, the applicable acquisition decree or legislation, compensation records and the nature and extent of the interest acquired by the Federal Government.

They also demanded that the communities be given an opportunity to present their historical records and other relevant documents before any decision is taken concerning the title to the land.

Among their specific requests, the communities urged the Delta State Government to ensure that no administrative process resulting in the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or other title document conferring outright ownership of the land on Premium Steel and Mines Limited should proceed without first determining the historical and legal status of the property.

They appealed to Governor Oborevwori to intervene and engage relevant Federal Government authorities and the management of Premium Steel and Mines Limited, while urging the state authorities to refrain from supporting, processing or facilitating any application concerning the land until the issues raised by the host communities have been properly examined.

Communities Seek Stakeholders' Dialogue

The Ovwian/Aladja leaders also called for an urgent stakeholders' dialogue involving the Federal Government, Delta State Government, Premium Steel and Mines Limited, the Ovwian/Aladja communities, Udu Local Government Council, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom and relevant traditional institutions.

They said the proposed dialogue should establish the historical and legal position concerning the acquisition, compensation, occupation and subsequent use of the land.

The communities stressed that they were committed to a peaceful and lawful resolution of the matter and did not seek to disrupt industrial activities at the Premium Steel facility.

“Rather, we seek to ensure that the historical rights and interests of the host communities are not extinguished or prejudiced through any administrative process undertaken without their participation,” the community leaders stated in the letter.

They further expressed readiness to engage Premium Steel and Mines Limited, the Federal Government and the Delta State Government in constructive negotiations.

According to them, where necessary, community representatives would also take the matter to the Royal Palace of the Ovie of Udu Kingdom for peaceful discussion in the presence of appropriate traditional and community authorities.

The leaders maintained that dialogue, fairness, justice and the rule of law remained the appropriate means of resolving the dispute and preserving peaceful relations among the host communities, government and the company.

Appeal to Government

In their conclusion, the communities said Ovwian and Aladja had remained peaceful and supportive of legitimate industrial development in the area, but could not remain silent over any development which, in their view, could permanently alter the status of land they maintained was never sold outright to Delta Steel Company or its successors.

They consequently urged Governor Oborevwori to treat the matter as one of urgent public importance and intervene before further action is taken concerning the alleged C of O application.

They also called for the preservation of the status quo pending the outcome of a proper review and stakeholders' engagement, while reaffirming their commitment to peace, lawful engagement and sustainable industrial development.

Copies of the protest were sent to the President of Nigeria; Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Ministers of Housing and Urban Development and Steel Development; Surveyor-General of the Federation; Attorney-General of the Federation; Udu Local Government Council; the Ovie of Udu Kingdom; Delta Central Senatorial representative; Udu Federal Constituency representative; relevant Delta State commissioners and agencies; the management of Premium Steel and Mines Limited; Delta State House of Assembly; Udu Traditional Council of Chiefs; security agencies; and the Nigerian Bar Association, Udu Branch.