77-Year Land Dispute Resolved in Abia Community

The long-standing land dispute involving Ukwuakwu and Obinto communities in Abia State has officially concluded after 77 years, following the execution of a writ of possession by officials from the Abia State High Court in Umuahia. This action took place on a Tuesday, following a warrant granted by Justice Chido Nwakamma under suit number HU 66M/2025.

The origins of the dispute date back to July 8, 1949, when the Ututu Native Court began hearing the matter. The court ruled in favor of the Ukwuakwu community on September 28, 1949, and a landmark judgment was delivered by the Abia State High Court on November 6, 1984, declaring ownership of the land to Ukwuakwu and awarding damages for trespass.

The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt on January 11, 1991, with no further appeals filed. The traditional ruler of Ukwuakwu, Ezeogo Michael Ogbonnaya, expressed regret over the destruction of rubber plantations belonging to the community during the dispute and praised the judiciary for resolving the matter.