BY ADMIN JOSH
The people of Ugwuaji Awkunanaw Community in Enugu State have filed a lawsuit against the state government, through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, accusing them of illegally seizing their land.The lawsuit, which was filed on December 10, 2024, at the State High Court, seeks N1 billion in damages. The plaintiffs, led by Chief Monday Igweshi, Chief Simeon Ede, Chief Christopher Ikechukwu Ugwu, Chief Joseph Ngwu, and Chief Kanayo O. Atu, represent the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw community, located in the Enugu South Local Government Area.The plaintiffs claim they are rightful members of the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw Community and its original Land Committee. In their statement, they allege that the state government unlawfully invaded several parcels of land, including Otonozi Land, Ikiti Land, and New Jerusalem City Layout (Awana Land), all of which are located within their community.The lawsuit accuses the state government and its agents of trespassing on the community’s land, destroying crops, and disrupting the local economy. As part of the legal proceedings, the plaintiffs are requesting a perpetual injunction to prevent the state government and its agents from further interference with the land.The plaintiffs argue that the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw Community has long held ownership of these lands, which are communally owned by all members of the community. They contend that prior to this alleged invasion, there had been multiple attempts by individuals, corporate bodies, and neighboring communities to illegally encroach on these lands.
The community has reportedly issued public notices to warn the public against engaging in land transactions within their territory without prior authorization from the community’s leaders. Despite these warnings, the plaintiffs claim that the Enugu State government, aided by political office holders from the community, forcefully acquired the land without following legal procedures.This legal action follows a series of similar land disputes between the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw community and the Enugu State government, including the controversial acquisition of parcels in Independence Layout and other areas within the state. The plaintiffs argue that their community’s rights have been continuously violated by unlawful land acquisitions over the years, undermining their ability to manage their ancestral lands according to their traditions and laws.As the lawsuit progresses, the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw Community seeks justice and compensation for the illegal actions they claim have been taken by the Enugu State government.
