by Karen James
Chief Okechukwu Kingsley Chukwueme, the Managing Director of Nwagu Heaven Estate, has reaffirmed that he lawfully acquired land at Ochiowa, Urum in Awka North Local Government Area from its rightful owners.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, Chukwueme, popularly known as Nwaguatahihia, dismissed claims by Mr. Felix Godwin, the President General (PG) of Urum Town Union, who alleged that the community was unaware of the transaction.
According to the PG, the land was reserved for farming and had not been sold to any developer.
In response, Chukwueme maintained that the purchase followed due process, with proper documentation and approval from the original owners. He stated that five indigenes of the community, who jointly owned the land, made a unanimous decision to sell, and the town’s Traditional Ruler was a witness to the transaction.
He expressed disappointment that the PG, who was recently elected, was attempting to tarnish his reputation due to his refusal to provide financial gratification.
“The land was lawfully purchased, properly documented, and transferred according to legal procedures. The necessary signatories have been secured, and the process of obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy is already in progress,” Chukwueme stated.
Traditional Ruler, Landowners Back Developer
Supporting Chukwueme’s claims, Igwe B. Nweke, the Traditional Ruler of Urum, clarified that the disputed land belonged to specific families within the community, not the entire town.
“It is not right for the President General to insist that the land cannot be sold by its original owners. A portion of the land was revoked under former Governor Willie Obiano’s administration, but the area in question remains the property of certain families,” Igwe Nweke explained.
Similarly, Mr. Ephraim Aniebonam, a representative of the landowning Uruokpala clan, Akitinyi village, Urum, confirmed that the land was private property and not communal. He questioned why the PG was attempting to involve the entire town in their family inheritance.
With tensions rising over the land dispute, stakeholders are urging for dialogue to prevent further conflict and ensure a peaceful resolution.
