77 years land tussle ends in Abia community as court officials execute writ of possession
Abia State High Court Executes Writ of Possession for Ujara Ukwuakwu Land
UMUAHIA, Abia State — The Abia State High Court has executed a Writ of Possession for the contested Ujara Ukwuakwu land located in Ututu, Arochukwu Local Government Area, effectively concluding a land dispute that originated on July 8, 1949.
The court’s action took place on Tuesday following a warrant issued by Justice Chido Nwakamma in Suit No. HU/66M/2025, which pertains to a judgment from November 6, 1984. Court officials traveled from Umuahia to Arochukwu to deliver the possession documents to the leaders of Ukwuakwu Ututu and the Obinto community, who were also involved in the claim.
As part of the execution, officials installed signposts and other markers indicating the transfer of land possession to the Ukwuakwu community in accordance with the court’s directive.
Ezeogo Michael Ogbonnaya, the traditional ruler of Ukwuakwu Ututu, expressed satisfaction following the delivery of the documents, noting that his community had previously won related cases—specifically Consolidated Suits No. HU/38/71 and HU/45/71—affirming their ownership of the land.
He reflected on the historical context of the dispute, recounting that Squadron Leader R.A. Clarke of the Ututu Native Court ruled in favor of Ukwuakwu Ututu on July 8, 1949, dismissing the claims from Obinto.
According to the community, the legal battle dates back to the initial hearing on July 8, 1949, when the Ututu Native Court inspected the land and ultimately decided in favor of Ukwuakwu on September 28, 1949.
The High Court’s judgment in 1984 affirmed Ukwuakwu’s title to the land, awarded damages for trespass, and prohibited further encroachments. This decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt on January 11, 1991, with both the appeal and cross-appeal dismissed.
Ezeogo Ogbonnaya highlighted that no further appeals were made to the Supreme Court. He noted the challenges faced by his community, including the destruction of their rubber plantation by claimants from Obinto during the dispute. He commended the judiciary for its role in resolving the long-standing conflict and called for peace, urging the Obinto community to accept the court’s ruling.
