By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD, mnipr
A multi-million-naira compensation controversy is threatening to taint the legacy of the 2nd Niger Bridge project, as indigenes of Umuaji Quarters in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, accuse a consulting firm of manipulating payment processes and dragging the revered Asagba of Asaba into the storm.
The affected communities—Ojeada, Umuda, Afadia, and others—say they have waited more than seven years for compensation linked to the Phase 2A internal road network of the bridge project, only to now face what they describe as “deliberate confusion” introduced by the consultant, Odum O. Partners.
At the heart of the dispute is an allegation that the firm’s principal consultant, Mr. Okwchukwu Odum, claimed that the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), directed that all payments to Asaba claimants be routed through him. Community leaders insist this claim is not only false but also a dangerous attempt to undermine transparency.
Speaking to journalists, Obi Nduka Ogochukwu of Umuda village condemned the alleged arrangement, arguing that “rightful property owners who submitted all required documentation deserve direct payments without third-party interference.” He further noted that in other affected towns such as Okwe, Okpanam, and Ibusa, beneficiaries were paid directly—without complications.
The palace of the Asagba of Asaba has since distanced the monarch from the controversy, dismissing the claims as “false and malicious.” Palace officials insist the king has no involvement in compensation disbursements, describing the allegation as a calculated attempt to smear his reputation.
Yet, confusion persists, as residents accuse Mr. Odum of issuing contradictory statements. According to them, while he initially promised direct payments, his latest position suggests otherwise, raising fears of potential diversion of funds.
The communities, frustrated by years of delay, commended Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for prioritizing the project but warned that any manipulation in compensation would erode public confidence in government-backed initiatives.
Earlier protests at the consultant’s office saw residents accuse Odum O. Partners of subverting due process, a development they now want the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently investigate. The DSS, which supervised previous rounds of compensation, is being urged to once again step in to ensure accountability.
For the people of Umuaji Quarters, the demand is clear: compensation must be paid directly to property owners. Anything less, they argue, would not only amount to abuse of process but could also spark unrest in a community already exhausted by years of waiting.