• About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NewsNet Nigeria
  • Home
  • News
    • Local News
    • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
    • Oil and Gas
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • MORE
    • Interview
    • Editorial
    • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Science & Tech
    • Videos
NewsNet Nigeria
No Result
View All Result
Home Judiciary

Illegal Land Sales Nullified in Ogwashi-Uku as Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Wins Landmark Judgment

by NewsNet Nigeria
3 weeks ago
in Judiciary, News
Ebedei Council of Chiefs reacts to Oyemogum’s abuse of power accusation against Delta DPP
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Whatsapp

In a decisive ruling that reaffirms centuries of tradition and legal precedent, the Delta State High Court, per Honourable Justice H.O. Akpotohwo (Mrs), on the 23rd of June, 2025, delivered judgment in Suit No: 0/50/2021 in favour of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.

The case was initially instituted against PWAN Group, its Chairman, Dr. Austin Onwunmere, and several others who were involved in the unauthorised acquisition, advertising, and sale of large expanses of land behind the Delta State Polytechnic, and throughout Edo Ogwashi-Uku as well as lands along the Edo Ogwashi-Uku road in Aniocha South Local Government Area.

Court sources told our correspondent that PWAN and its chairman threw in the towel after the testimony of the plaintiffs’ witnesses and filed a motion to nullify their interest in the lands in the area. This was after their lawyer sought to withdraw a court-ordered letter of guarantee not to advertise, parcellate or do any work at the site during the pendency of the trial. Lawyers to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN, opposed the withdrawal of the letter which then culminated in PWAN throwing in the towel in the matter.  After the withdrawal of PWAN from the land in dispute, the court proceeded with the case against the others who had been developing and selling land behind the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku and throughout Edo, Ogwashi-Uku and along the Edo, Ogwashi-Uku road.  The final judgment was given on June 23, 2025.

ALSO READ  S'Court Dismisses Second Attempt At Appeal By Dieyi Family In Ogwashi-Uku Royal Dispute

Delivering judgment, the court made far-reaching declarations that have further clarified the land tenure system in Ogwashi-Uku. The Court found and gave judgment as follows:

That subject to the Land Use Act, 1978, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku is the overlord, manager, and custodian of all lands within Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, including the lands in dispute.
That any purported sale or alienation of the lands behind the Delta State Polytechnic or land in Ogwashi-Uku without the express consent of the Obi is null, void, and of no legal effect whatsoever.
That the defendants and any other persons cannot sell, mortgage, develop, advertise, or otherwise appropriate the lands in dispute or any portion of land in Ogwashi-Uku without first obtaining the consent of the Obi.
That the entry, occupation, and attempted sale of the said lands in dispute or any other lands in Ogwashi-Uku without the Obi’s approval amounted to trespass.

In addition to these declarations, the court granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, cohorts, or assigns from engaging in further trespass, sales, advertisement, or development of any behind the Delta State Polytechnic, in Edo Ogwashi-Uku or any land in Ogwashi-Uku without the express consent and/or approval of the Obi.

ALSO READ  S'Court Dismisses Second Attempt At Appeal By Dieyi Family In Ogwashi-Uku Royal Dispute

The court also awarded ₦20 million in general damages against the defendants for trespass and unauthorised dealings on Ogwashi-Uku communal land.

This comprehensive and far-reaching judgment serves as a major victory for the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, effectively nullifying all unauthorised land transactions carried out by individuals and companies operating outside the knowledge and authority of the Obi-in-Council. It also reaffirms the long-standing legal and traditional position that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku is the custodian of all communal lands in the kingdom—a principle that had previously been upheld in several judicial decisions.

Reacting to the judgment, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the Palace Secretary, expressed deep satisfaction, stating: “We are grateful for this clear and courageous decision by the Delta State High Court. This judgment sends a strong message to those who attempt to grab land and circumvent our traditional institutions. The Obi holds the land of Ogwashi-Uku in trust for the people, and any attempt to deal with our communal lands without his approval is illegal, illegitimate, and will be challenged in the courts.”

He further advised all individuals and corporate bodies to cease their brazen rape of Ogwashi-Uku lands and to follow due process by obtaining the required consent of the Obi, and warned that the Palace would continue to take legal action against unauthorised land dealers who seek to dispossess the community of its heritage.

ALSO READ  S'Court Dismisses Second Attempt At Appeal By Dieyi Family In Ogwashi-Uku Royal Dispute

With this ruling, observers say the court has not only defended the traditional rights of the Ogwashi-Uku monarchy but has also laid to rest the confusion deliberately created by unscrupulous indigenes who have been collaborating with land developers and speculators seeking to profit from communal property without accountability.

The judgment is expected to have widespread implications for land transactions within Ogwashi-Uku and other communities across Delta State, particularly in the growing urban fringes like Edo Ogwashi, Azagba Ogwashi, Aboh Ogwashi, Olloh Ogwashi, and Isah Ogwashi, where rapid development has recently attracted the attention of speculative land dealers.

Our reporter has confirmed that recovery and execution of the court writ of possession has commenced with the approval from the Judge of the High Court and also with the Inspector General of Police providing police officers to work with the court bailiffs to recover the land. Community sources confirm that the exercise will be massive, considering the widespread illegal sale of land in the court-determined area.

Previous Post

NAFDAC Seizes ₦1.5 Billion Worth of Banned, Expired Products at Lagos Trade Fair Market

Next Post

Senator Ned Nwoko Meets D’Tigress, Applauds Team’s Historic AfroBasket Triumph

MORE NEWS

Media Attacks On Senator Dafinone: When Criticism Becomes a Tool for Political Blackmail
Local News

Senator Dafinone Calls for Restraint, Dialogue Amid Brewing Warri Crisis

August 26, 2025
Unenurhie people in Ughelli North reject conduct of election, say process violates community constitution
Local News

Atuwatse III Coronation Anniversary: AWL Condemns Itsekiri Procession in Igbudu Community

August 23, 2025
4th Coronation Anniversary: Oborevwori Applauds Olu’s Reign as Beacon of Peace, Unity
Celebration

4th Coronation Anniversary: Oborevwori Applauds Olu’s Reign as Beacon of Peace, Unity

August 22, 2025
Mosogar Monarch Disowns Chiefs Over Olu of Warri Coronation Anniversary Attendance
Local News

Mosogar Monarch Disowns Chiefs Over Olu of Warri Coronation Anniversary Attendance

August 21, 2025
Next Post
Senator Ned Nwoko Meets D’Tigress, Applauds Team’s Historic AfroBasket Triumph

Senator Ned Nwoko Meets D’Tigress, Applauds Team’s Historic AfroBasket Triumph

Leave Comment

RECENT STORIES

Media Attacks On Senator Dafinone: When Criticism Becomes a Tool for Political Blackmail

Senator Dafinone Calls for Restraint, Dialogue Amid Brewing Warri Crisis

August 26, 2025
Court fixes April 10 to rule on bail application for Delta SUBEB chairman, Ovie of Evwreni Kingdom, others

Asaba Court Adjourns Trial of RCCG Pastor Accused of Assaulting Journalist

August 26, 2025
EFCC Orders Arrest of Dismissed Staff Over Matchmaking Programme

EFCC Orders Arrest of Dismissed Staff Over Matchmaking Programme

August 26, 2025
Ward Delineation Crisis: Ijaws, Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency Ask INEC to Halt Voter Registration

Ward Delineation Crisis: Ijaws, Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency Ask INEC to Halt Voter Registration

August 25, 2025
Okowa Sparks Fresh Debate in Anioma with Igbo Identity Affirmation

Okowa Sparks Fresh Debate in Anioma with Igbo Identity Affirmation

August 25, 2025

TRENDING STORIES

  • Mosogar Monarch Disowns Chiefs Over Olu of Warri Coronation Anniversary Attendance

    Mosogar Monarch Disowns Chiefs Over Olu of Warri Coronation Anniversary Attendance

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Delta Govt Releases 2025/2026 Academic Calendar as First Term Begins September 8

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Urhobo Elder Challenges Emuoboh Gbagi’s Claim as First Son of Late Kenneth Gbagi

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Dafinone Demands Arrest, Prosecution of Vigilantes Over Brutal Assault on NYSC Member

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Chaos Rocks Delta South APC Women’s Meeting Over ₦50m ‘Kola-Nut’ Fund

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

NEWSNET NIGERIA Published By: Morex Consult Limited - Since 2020.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Local News
    • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
    • Oil and Gas
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • MORE
    • Interview
    • Editorial
    • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Science & Tech
    • Videos

NEWSNET NIGERIA Published By: Morex Consult Limited - Since 2020.