The demolition of a multi-million naira property along Silas Works Road, Onitsha, by the Onitsha South Local Council of Anambra State, has sparked a legal and public dispute between the council and the property owner, Uchenna Uzoeto.
Uzoeto, the Managing Director of Sabest Nigeria Limited, has accused the council chairman, Emeka Orji, of disregarding due process and acting in contempt of court by demolishing his property despite a pending legal suit.
Uzoeto claims to possess a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), an approved building plan, and other legal documents for the land.
Describing the action as “insensitive, callous, and high-handed,” Uzoeto called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene. “Where is the justice? Where can citizens seek refuge if not in the courts? What they are creating is anarchy,” he lamented.
Uzoeto alleged that Orji had previously invited him for discussions about the property in 2023 and that a five-member committee set up by the council cleared him of any wrongdoing. Despite this, Uzoeto claimed he continued to receive eviction notices, prompting him to notify the council and security agencies about the pending court case in January.
He argued that the council lacks the legal authority to demolish properties. “If my land was not legitimate, the governor would have revoked my C of O under overriding public interest,” he said, maintaining that multiple past administrations had approved his documents.
In response, Orji, speaking through the council secretary, Paul Onuachalla, asserted that the land was earmarked for a primary healthcare project and had been fraudulently acquired. He contended that the demolition was part of the Council’s effort to recover its property.
Orji accused Uzoeto of being aware of irregularities in the land’s acquisition, stating, “The land belongs to Onitsha South Local Council. There is sufficient evidence to support our claim.” He argued that a C of O cannot validate a bad title, adding that the council had engaged Uzoeto in discussions and issued prior notices before the demolition.
He further alleged that Uzoeto had purchased the land from Chuma Nzeribe, presenting documents with discrepancies, including a Deed of Assignment lacking key details and a questionable allocation letter from 2001. Orji insisted that the council was not party to the pending court case, which he said was filed against him in his personal capacity.
“This is about recovering Onitsha South Council’s property fraudulently annexed by individuals,” Orji said, vowing to retrieve all misappropriated lands under his administration.
Meanwhile, traders operating on the property expressed despair over the ongoing dispute, which has left them counting daily losses and uncertain about their future.
