We Paid 3 Communities,Developer Blasts Okwesi Family’s Claims
By Chukwudi Ebele
The Chief Executive Officer of Pineleaf Estate Homes and Properties Ltd, Bishop Dr. Onyeka Nzekwesi, has refuted a social media publication alleging that he harassed the Okwesi Family of Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area.
The publication, titled “Anambra Family Laments Intimidation, Harassment by Estate Developer, Seeks Soludo’s Intervention to Restrain Bishop Onyeka Nzekwesi,” was dismissed by Nzekwesi as false and mere propaganda aimed at garnering public sympathy for a family he claims is the architect of its own problems.
Speaking to journalists at his country home in Eziowelle, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State, Bishop Nzekwesi stated that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has already intervened in the land dispute involving the Okwesi Family, which claims ownership of the land in question.
He praised Governor Soludo for fostering peace and order in communities across Anambra State and commended the efforts of the Boundary Committee, led by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, for their role in preventing potential inter-communal conflict.
According to Nzekwesi, the kind of propaganda being circulated by the Okwesi Family has discouraged many estate developers from investing in Anambra State.
“That is why there are still many undeveloped areas in Anambra,because of extortion, greed, deception, and the cunning tactics of people like the Okwesi Family. They call others land grabbers when in fact they are the real culprits. They even boasted that their late father, a native doctor, forcefully acquired land from people and communities by scaring them off with charms.”he stated.
He narrated how the Okwesi Family introduced his uncle to a parcel of land they claimed belonged solely to them, swearing there were no disputes over it. However, after he advertised the land for development, three communities,Awkuzu, Umunya, and Ifitedunu,came forward claiming ownership of parts of the same land.
“To resolve the matter, we negotiated with all three communities and paid each of them accordingly to ensure peace. But just when we were about to begin development, the Okwesi Family introduced another group claiming to have bought the same land.”he stated.
Nzekwesi said they warned the new group to stay away from the land since it was under dispute and that Ifitedunu had already approached the Anambra State Boundary Committee using a court judgment. The Committee is currently demarcating the land using registered beacons and official maps from the Ministry of Lands.
“The Okwesi Family even invited me to a meeting at Ike Dunu’s house in Ifitedunu, complaining that their community, Awkuzu, had given them too small a share of the money I paid for the land. Out of goodwill, I offered them an additional ₦200 million. But they rejected it, greedily demanding ₦350 million,even though I had already completed payments to three communities.”he added.
He added that by the time the Okwesi Family reconsidered and reached out to him again, he had changed his mind and advised them to settle with their community directly, as he owed no one.
Nzekwesi further alleged that the family ignored government intervention and began reselling parts of the disputed land, a move he warned could provoke communal conflict.
“They now have the State Government to contend with—not me. The government is marking boundaries and placing officials on-site. I have not even taken possession of the land.” he noted.
He criticized the family for requesting intervention from Governor Soludo despite the fact that the Deputy Governor had already taken action.
“When I offered them ₦200 million, they refused, bragging that someone powerful in Abuja was backing them. They’re fighting their own Awkuzu community, Umunya, Ifitedunu, and even the Anambra State Government. We’re still waiting to see this ‘highly connected’ person.”Nzekwesi said.
Nzekwesi affirmed that Pineleaf Estates would not back down like other developers.
“Pineleaf is here to stay. ‘We dey Gidigbam.’ Our mission is to transform every bush in the Southeast and South-South into beautiful, aesthetic estates that will become tourist attractions.” he said.
He lamented that developers often pay for land multiple times just to avoid disputes, which has hindered progress in the region.
“People offer us land in Abuja, Lagos, and the North to build homes for Igbos. But our brand is for our people, and we are serious about real estate development in Igboland.”he stated.
He also recounted an incident where individuals linked to the Okwesi Family were caught vandalizing property on the disputed land.
“They were caught with weapons, and I was called around 10 p.m. to intervene. I explained to SARS how they had originally introduced us to the land, and the suspects were released. Yet days later, they published a story accusing me of using the police to intimidate them, falsely crediting their ‘Abuja contact’ for the suspects’ release.”he added.
Challenging the family to a public debate, Nzekwesi said:“I invite the person accusing me of land grabbing to come live on GBAM Online TV for a public debate. Let’s discuss this openly and let members of Awkuzu call in to reveal who the real land grabbers are.”
He concluded by commending the state government’s neutral and peacekeeping role in land disputes.
“Governor Soludo and his Deputy deserve immense praise. They don’t dispossess people of their lands but work tirelessly to ensure peace. Without their intervention, we might be hearing of bloodshed today. Soludo’s administration protects lives and property and seeks lasting solutions in all sectors. That is why I believe he deserves a second term.” he added
