Ogwashi-Uku Accuses Abah Unor Of Illegal Land Sales, Says Court Judgment Final:
The Palace of His Royal Majesty, Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, has issued a strong rebuttal to what it describes as “a calculated campaign of misinformation” by elements within the Abah Unor community over land lawfully adjudicated to Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
At the center of the controversy is land currently occupied by Soarstar College of Nursing Sciences Ltd, which the Palace insists forms part of property conclusively awarded to the Trustees of the proposed Anioma University of Science and Technology, Ogwashi-Uku in Suit No. O/5/2006.
JUDGMENT DELIVERED — WRIT EXECUTED
According to Palace Secretary Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the matter is not a pending dispute but a concluded case. The High Court entered judgment in favour of the University Trustees and affirmed the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku as lawful custodian and owner of the land.
Following the judgment:
• A Writ of Possession was duly issued.
• Court Bailiffs executed the writ.
• Officers acting under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police supervised enforcement.
• Legal possession was formally delivered to the judgment creditors.
“This is not a political issue. It is a judicially determined matter,” the Palace stated.
ATACHE RIVER IDENTIFIED AS NATURAL BOUNDARY
The litigation survey plan, tendered and relied upon by the court, clearly delineates the boundary between Ogwashi-Uku and Abah Unoh at the Atache River, with Abah Unor situated across the river.
The Palace maintains that any claim by Abah Unor to lands before the river contradicts documentary evidence placed before the court and already adjudicated upon.
ALLEGATIONS OF CONTEMPT AND FRAUDULENT SALES
The Palace further alleges that despite losing in court and failing in attempts to set aside the judgment, certain individuals within Abah Unor have begun offering portions of the adjudicated land for sale to estate developers.
“If proven, such acts amount to trespass and potential contempt of court,” the statement said.
The Trustees emphasized that restraint was initially exercised out of consideration for representations made by the Nursing School proprietors. However, the alleged fresh attempts to alienate land already under writ of possession have now escalated the situation.
WARNING TO LAND SPECULATORS
The Palace issued a stern caution to developers and land buyers:
“No person can acquire valid title from a party who is not the rightful owner of the property especially as a court of competent jurisdiction has already determined the ownership of the property in question.” Nobody touched the Nursing School that is on our land. For the owner who had pleaded and appealed to us at the time of the court execution to turn around and make unfounded false allegations is frankly disappointing and will attract the necessary legal response.
Security assistance for enforcement of the writ was lawfully approved under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police, and the Palace insists that any obstruction of court officials or law enforcement agents will attract criminal and legal consequences.
“RULE OF LAW, NOT SENTIMENT”
The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, according to the Palace, remains committed to peace and legality but will not permit judicial decisions to be undermined through media theatrics.
“This Kingdom believes in the rule of law. The judgment is there for all to see. Attempts to whip up sentiment cannot override a subsisting court order. We are not on a Nollywood set. We are happy they as they have claimed to have written to the DSS, Police and others because we want those agencies to warn them to stay clear of the land in question.”
The Trustees reaffirmed their readiness to take all lawful steps necessary to protect the land and ensure that the sanctity of the judiciary is preserved.
