Abia Community Accuses Monarch of Land Theft

In Umunenwez Okpualla, located in the Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, a conflict has emerged between the community and traditional ruler Ez Paul Uzuegbu. The indigenes, represented by spokesman Okechukwu Uzuegbu, accuse Uzuegbu and village head Ejikem Emereuwa of illegally encroaching upon and selling ancestral land, despite a court judgment from March 8, 2022, which declared Uzuegbu's title as paramount ruler null and void.

The community's communiqué describes the actions as brazen and lawless, likening them to daylight robbery. They demand an immediate halt to these illegal activities and warn that any further trespass will be treated as incitement to chaos.

The community has also called on law enforcement agencies, including the Umuahia Police Command, to intervene. Magdalen Ugoanusi, a senior special assistant to the governor, has acknowledged the situation and urged peaceful resolution.

The community insists they will not relinquish their land rights and will take legal action against any accomplices in the alleged land theft.