Onitsha Family Reclaims Land After 15 Years, Thanks to Soludo’s Swift Action

Kene Ofoma:

Members of the Agwuzani family of Umuaroli Village, Onitsha, in the Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Tuesday, joyfully returned to their ancestral land known as Ogwugwu Agbu—after being denied access for over 15 years by land grabbers.

During the visit, family members sang solidarity songs in appreciation of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for intervening in the longstanding dispute and helping reclaim their land from illegal occupiers.

The family was escorted to the site by security operatives deployed by the state government, amid ongoing threats from the land grabbers and their alleged collaborators within security agencies who had previously barred the family from accessing the land.

Speaking to journalists during the visit, the Diokpa (head) of the Agwuzani family, Comrade Sunday Ogoazi, disclosed that the ancestral land spans over 1,000 hectares.

He noted that a portion approximately two-thirds had previously been allocated to the government, for which the family was compensated.

He explained that the remaining portion, which was supposed to remain with the family, had been encroached upon by land grabbers, prompting a prolonged legal battle.

“When we went to court, the court ordered that no one should enter the land until judgement was delivered. Last year, the court finally ruled in our favour. But whenever we tried to enter the land, security operatives—working with the land grabbers—chased us away and even threatened to kill us,”

“After the judgement, we wrote to the governor and attached the full judgement documents. The governor, in his magnanimity, responded and intervened, giving us respite from our oppressors. That is why we are here today—to thank him.”

He lamented the complicity of some security agents, alleging they protected the land grabbers while barring the rightful owners from entering.

“They erected signposts and were selling our land as estate plots. How can someone from Ebonyi or Imo State suddenly claim ownership of land in Anambra and start selling it? It’s absurd. Governor Soludo’s timely intervention saved us from this injustice.”

Historical Ownership and Western Influence
Also speaking, the family treasurer, Elder Azubuike Ejiamike, recounted the history of the land, stating that their ancestors had farmed on it long before the arrival of European colonialists.

“When we embraced Western education, we leased the land to one Awasi Ejikeme from Nkpor to farm. After his death, his children continued the farming arrangement.

“About 15 years ago, we attempted to reclaim the land, but internal family disagreements led us to court. After resolving those issues about a year ago, we discovered that security operatives had occupied the land and were selling it off. That was when we contacted the governor. His intervention will remain indelible in our hearts.”

Years of False Promises
Comrade Peter Ogoazi Olisa, a member of the family and Head of Medical Records at the Guinness Eye Centre, Onitsha, expressed disappointment that past administrations failed to address the situation, despite repeated appeals.

“For years, different administrations made empty promises while these land grabbers—working in connivance with vigilante groups masquerading as security operatives—illegally operated estates on our land,”

“This land was part of an agreement reached in 1910 with colonial authorities, and it was officially gazetted. We presented the archival evidence to the governor.

“When we sent an SOS to Governor Soludo, he requested time to verify the facts. After his inquiries, he confirmed that the land rightfully belongs to the Agwuzani family. He even challenged the land grabbers to present evidence—but none of them could prove ownership.”he said.

Olisa further explained that the governor facilitated their peaceful return to the land by deploying security personnel to ensure safety, given the threats made by the encroachers.

“We are extremely grateful to Governor Soludo. This is a true example of good governance, transparency, and justice. He has also provided us with access to pipe-borne water. His leadership has had a meaningful impact on Anambra State.

“We pray that he continues in this manner so that the common man in Anambra can finally have a voice in society.” he added.