:Land Owners Seek Gov’s Intervention.
Landowners at Central Market Layout in Umuohiadagu Nekede, Owerri West LGA have called on Governor Hope Uzodinma and the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) to halt the demolition of various structures, including schools and churches, as mandated by a recent court order.
The legal dispute has drawn significant attention as local stakeholders seek to prevent what they describe as an unlawful and disruptive action.
Speaking with journalists in Owerri recently, Dr Christian C. Nwadigo, a member of the plaintiffs’ legal team disclosed that on August 21, 2024, a vacation High Court in Imo State issued an order of interim injunction against several defendants, including the Owerri Central Market Complex Development & Investment Company Ltd., Donez Global Services Ltd., Joe Jonny Joyson Enterprises Ltd., the Governor of Imo State, the Attorney General of Imo State, and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank). The court’s order aims to prevent these parties from proceeding with the demolition of structures on the Central Market Layout land.
In SUITNO:HOW/882/2024, the injunction specifically bars the defendants from demolishing the structures erected by the plaintiffs, which include schools, churches, hotels and other buildings. The order also prohibits the defendants from evicting the landowners and from continuing any ongoing construction projects related to the perimeter fencing around the disputed area. This measure will remain in effect until the court reviews the plaintiffs’ motion for an interlocutory injunction.
The plaintiffs in this case include the Incorporated Board of Trustees of Rhema Life Ministry International, Sunway Global Properties Nig Ltd, Zero-One Global Properties Ltd, as well as individuals Ekpereamaka Jessica Nwankwo and Nwankwo Emmanuel. They represent a larger group of landowners who are contesting the planned demolitions and seeking legal redress for what they argue is an infringement on their property rights.
Dr. Nwadigo further emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the court’s injunction is critical to protecting the interests of the landowners. According to Nwadigo, the actions of the OCDA and its partners are in direct violation of the court’s orders and could cause significant harm to the affected communities.
“Despite the court’s clear directives, reports indicate that the demolition activities have continued, prompting the landowners to appeal directly to the state government for intervention. We argue that adherence to the court order is essential for maintaining legal and procedural integrity in resolving the dispute”.
Lead Express reports that the government’s response will be closely watched to determine whether it will enforce the court’s order and address the grievances of the Central Market Layout landowners. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of judicial authority and respect for legal procedures in property and development matters.
Recall that there have been series of Reports on the Central Market Residential Layout as Landowners have continued to express their grievances over the ongoing demolition of their properties, worth billions of Naria despite holding valid Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) issued by the government.
These citizens, whose properties are being destroyed by the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), have called for reallocation and compensation from the state government, stating that the ongoing demolition is a violation of their entitlements as citizens who have legally acquired their lands and developed them over the years.
They have argued that while the government has the right to reclaim land for public interest, there are established procedures that must be followed. He reiterated that revoking C of Os, the highest title for land acquisition issued by the Governor, should involve proper compensation and reallocation.
All efforts to reach the General Manager of Owerri Capital Development Authority proved abortive as his number was not reachable as at the time of filling the report.
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