Oba Monarch Gives A 3 Month Ultimatum On Land Issues … Celebrates Maiden Ofala
By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha
The Oba Monarch in Idemili South Local Government Area, Igwe Engr. Augustine Emelobe, Ezeokpoko 11, on 9th Jan. gave a three-month ultimatum to the community to suspend all land-related transactions.
The directive, which was given in his address during his maiden ofala at Merchant of Light Secondary School Oba, takes effect from January 9th to April 9th, 2025, aims to enable the Igwe-in-Council to develop and publish new land transaction procedures and processes.
According to Igwe Emelobe, the move is necessary to address the concerns and frustrations of the past, particularly with regards to questionable and unacceptable land dealings in the community.
The Igwe also announced the establishment of the Oba Customary Land Tribunal, which will be responsible for adjudicating on matters related to ancestral and customary lands in Oba.
“The tribunal will comprise of three distinct levels: the Lower Tribunal, the Appeal Tribunal, and the Supreme Tribunal.
“This structure is designed to provide a clear and accessible framework for resolving land-related conflicts, including land grabbing, land rights, land ownership, inheritance claims, and land sales, among others.
The monarch’s directive has been welcomed by some members of the community, who believe it will help to curb land-related disputes and promote development in the area.
However, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the suspension on land transactions and the community’s economy.
The Igwe’s efforts to address land-related issues in Oba are seen as a step in the right direction, and many are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the new land transaction procedures and processes.
Reacting to the latest development Chief Barr. Emeka Anyaneto,Ojiogidi 1 of Oba, a former Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, praised the Igwe’s initiative and pledged to support him in achieving his goals.
He noted that the Igwe started a very good job by conferment of chieftaincy titles on citizens of Oba who will help to galvanize the community to move on the right path
He said,”We are running on the path of stopping it because Igwe himself enter the matter with full force and that is why some people is against him, but we muzzle them away because a lot of people in the town want somebody who will do that for them,I want to believe that he has already started doing the work and will achieve it”Anyaneto posited
Chief Don Onyenji, Anambra State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, described the maiden Ofala celebration as a success story and commended the Igwe for his efforts in promoting the community’s development.
Chief Ifeanyi Onwupenata,(Okokwu 1of Oba) one of the latest Chiefs in Oba, who is also the CEO Kaima Hotel and Suites Oba, welcomed in the Igwe’s initiative and pledged to support him in achieving his goals, described the maiden ofala as great one
The CEO, Juliemon Estate Management, Chief Ejike Madunagu, also one of the latest Chiefs, Obamaka 1 of Oba, described the latest development as a good move, adding that it is the last order that must be obeyed and respected.
The outcome of the Igwe’s directive is eagerly awaited by the community, who hope that it will bring peace and prosperity to the area.
