John Nwaigwe
Obinolu Chukwu Land Dispute Deepens as Cassava Plant Siting Sparks Fresh Tension Amid Court Order
Fresh tension is emerging in Obinolu Chukwu Community in Umunneochi Local Government Area following moves to site a proposed cassava processing plant on a parcel of land currently under legal dispute before the High Court of Abia State.
The development has triggered growing concern among stakeholders and indigenes, who warn that proceeding with construction despite an existing court order and ongoing reconciliation efforts could heighten tensions and destabilize the community.
The controversy followed a recent visit by the Executive Mayor of Umunneochi LGA, Chief Sunny Afurobi, alongside his entourage, to the palace of HRM Eze Amb. L.O Uche, Nnakaeze 1 of Obinolu. Discussions reportedly centered on the proposed cassava processing facility and its location within the community.
During the engagement, the mayor informed traditional authorities that funding for the project had already been secured and urged the community to provide land for immediate commencement of work. In response, HRM Eze Amb. L.O Uche and HRH Eze Kenneth Ugah, Nnuga 1 of Isi-Obinolu, identified a proposed site for the facility.
However, emerging concerns later revealed that the selected land is already the subject of an ongoing legal battle. Investigations show that the land in question is tied to Suit No. HUM/11/2025 filed before the High Court sitting in Nkwoagu Isuochi Judicial Division. The case involves DON DESTINE GLOBAL LINKS LTD and several defendants, including HRM Eze Amb. L.O Uche, Barr. Chris Otum, Engr. Ekene Chisindi Oluegburu, Mr. Uche Obieze, Very Rev. Israel Ukachukwu, Hon. Chiagozie Egbu, Mr. Michael Anyikwa, Chief Sir Etomchukwu Alaekwe, Engr. Ndudirim Chukwu, and Engr. Onyekaechi Eke.
A ruling delivered on April 30, 2025 by Hon. Justice C. Chido Nwakanma restrained all parties, their agents, and associates from engaging in any form of surveying or land allocation activities on the disputed property pending the final determination of the case.
Legal observers have expressed concern that any attempt to commence development on the disputed land could amount to a breach of court order and undermine the rule of law. They emphasized that all parties, including government officials and traditional institutions, are constitutionally bound to maintain the status quo until the court delivers a final judgment.
Stakeholders in the community revealed that the lingering land dispute had earlier prompted the President-General of Obinolu Town Development Union, Barr. Chris Otum, to petition the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, over the escalating tensions. The petition was subsequently referred to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, leading to the constitution of a Peace and Reconciliation Committee aimed at resolving the dispute and restoring calm.
However, community members allege that the reconciliation process has suffered setbacks due to the alleged non-participation of key traditional rulers in several mediation sessions.
Some stakeholders further claim that the renewed push to site the cassava processing plant on the disputed land risks undermining both the judicial process and ongoing peace efforts initiated by the Alex Otti administration. They warn that such actions could inflame existing divisions, deepen mistrust among factions, and potentially trigger renewed unrest in Obinolu Chukwu Community.
Concerned indigenes have therefore called on the Executive Mayor of Umunneochi LGA and all relevant parties to immediately suspend any activities relating to the proposed project site until the court case is concluded and the peace process fully exhausted. They also appealed to the Abia State Government, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene to safeguard peace, uphold judicial authority, and prevent a breakdown of law and order in the community.
