Some members of the Anigbiyovo Oyiwode clan of Akpawfu community in Nkanu East Council Area of Enugu State have petitioned Gov. Peter Mbah over the alleged leasing of their ancestral land for 99 years.
The clan accused some individuals from the Ani Oyiwode family of attempting to lease about 300 hectares of communal land jointly owned by both families without proper consultation. They called on the governor to intervene and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Speaking at the disputed site in Ohuakpaka on Tuesday, the Vice National President of the clan, Mr. Fidelis Arum, said the move to lease the land was carried out without his family’s consent.
According to Arum, prospective investors from Anambra State and China had shown interest in acquiring the land under a long-term lease. He accused Rev. Fr. Cyprain Nwanegu of championing the lease, adding that leasing the land for such a long period amounted to selling ancestral property.
“I was invited for a meeting at Igwe’s palace but refused to sign the Memorandum of Understanding because my family was not involved. The two families jointly own the land and should have been part of drafting the MoU. People already live on part of the land, and if we fail to act, we risk losing even our homes,” he said.
Arum warned that proceeding without consensus could trigger unrest, describing the situation as a potential threat to fragile peace in Akpawfu.
Also speaking, Chief Ikechukwu Udenweze, Secretary-General of the clan, said the land had been the subject of a long-standing legal dispute, eventually settled by the Supreme Court in 2008, affirming joint ownership by both families. He alleged attempts were being made to sidestep the judgment, stressing that unilateral action would be “an invitation to crisis.”
The clan has formally petitioned the state Ministry of Justice, police, and security agencies to intervene. They also wrote to the company allegedly involved, warning it against any transactions.
The Youths’ representative, Mr. Desmond Nnaji, said the community could not afford another conflict, while women’s representative Mrs. Ifesinachi Ogbodo argued the land was vital for future generations’ livelihoods.
However, Rev. Fr. Cyprain Nwanegu denied allegations of land sales or leasing, saying discussions with investors were exploratory. He explained that the proposal involved using the land as equity in a company, allowing community members to become shareholders.
“No land has been sold. The discussions have ended, and the company has moved elsewhere,” he said, cautioning against misinformation.
The traditional ruler, Christopher Nnamani, also denied involvement, challenging accusers to provide evidence.
“I have nothing to do with any land deal. Let anyone with proof come forward,” he said.
