THE Ondonga Traditional Authority is tight lipped about a recent attempt by some of its leaders to seize Omana village, which is said to fall under the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority jurisdiction despite calls from the President that both traditional authorities wait for the general elections.

Omana is but one of two villages in the east of Oukwanyama district but the Ondonga Traditional Authority claims it belongs to them.
According to the Ondonga Traditional Authority, Omana became theirs following a signed agreement between the late Oukwanyama King Kornelius Shelungu and King Immanuel Kauluma Elifas of Ondonga on 14 March 2004.
The Oukwanyama leadership has, however, trashed the claim, saying the agreement between the two Kings was immediately nullified after it was signed.
On October 17, the Ondonga Authority delegate went to the Omana village to allegedly announce a new leader of their choice, despite Omana already having a headman who reports to Oukwanyama.
The group carrying guns, spearheaded by Ondonga traditional leaders Kashona Kamululu and Enos Nampala, allegedly went to the village in eight vehicles carrying goats for the installation celebration of the intended Ondonga Traditional Councillor.
After an attempt by the Ondonga leaders to hold a meeting and reveal the intention of their visit, the Omana villagers called the police and the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority for immediate intervention.
Senior Traditional Council and spokesperson of the Ondonga Traditional Authority, Boas Mwendeleli would not be cornered into making a statement on the attempt by the Ondonga leadership to extend their traditional territory.
“We have heard of the incident, but we are still waiting for a full report from the police. Until such a time, I cannot comment on these allegations,” said Mwendeleli.
In a recent statement, the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority criticised the second attempt by the Ondonga Traditional Authority to extend its jurisdiction describing the attempt to once again seize Omana as “disturbing news”.
The Oukwanyama leadership also questioned the timing of the land dispute, saying it particularly raised eyebrows as it came a few weeks before the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“The incidents of 7-9 October 2004 and that of 17 October this year show great resemblance. Both were launched close to the commencement of general elections. Who is the source and orchestrator behind these incidents?” Reads the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority statement.