Urum Community Welcomes President General After Release, Calls for Lasting Peace Over Land Dispute
Residents of Urum Community in Awka North Local Government Area have welcomed their President General, Sir Felix Oranye, following his release from incarceration in connection with the ongoing Ochiokwa land dispute involving the community and an estate developer. The reception attracted community members who joined Sir Felix on a visit to various villages in the community in a celebration marked by thanksgiving and renewed calls for unity.
Addressing residents, Sir Felix expressed gratitude to God for preserving him during the three months he spent in custody.
He said he remained hopeful that justice would prevail, noting that the government’s intervention in the dispute had strengthened confidence that the matter would be resolved through the appropriate legal process. He urged the people of Urum to remain united and committed to the development of the community, assuring them of inclusive leadership.
The Chairman of the Urum Elders Association, Nze Louis Umegbolu, commended the President General for his resilience and appealed to the government to ensure a timely resolution of the dispute in the interest of justice and lasting peace.
Other community members also called on residents to support the community leadership and avoid actions capable of undermining peace and stability.
Meanwhile, the High Court of the Awka Judicial Division, presided over by Honourable Justice Arinze Akabua, on June 23, 2026, restrained all parties involved from selling, transferring, developing or altering the disputed land pending the hearing and determination of the applications for an injunction.
