The Obinolu Chukwu community in Umunneochi local government area of Abia State is experiencing conflict due to the proposed installation of a cassava processing facility on disputed community land, which violates a legitimate court order.
Some community members who raised concerns about the proposed project asked the defendants in the case to accept Justice Chido Nwakamma’s verdict on the Obinolu Chukwu community land.
According to community members, the Chairman of Umunneochi local government area, Sunday Afurobi, recently met with the traditional ruler of Obinolu autonomous community, Eze L.O. Uche, and proposed locating a cassava processing facility on the disputed territory.
One of the agitated indigenes of the community, Mr. Sopuruchukwu Gold said that Abia State High Court Umunneochi Division holding in Nkwoagu Isuochi had in its ruling in suit No.HUM/11/2025, restrained defendants from surveying or parcellating the land pending the determination of the suit.
He warned that any attempt to violate the restraining order imposed by Justice Chido Nwakamma on April 30, 2025, would jeopardise the peace of the Obinolu Chukwu community.
Gold appealed to the Chairman of Umunneochi and other people allegedly involved in the land deal to suspend their action pending the final determination of the court and other reconciliation processes.
The indigenes also appealed to Governor Alex Otti and security agencies to urgently prevent breakdown of law and order by intervening in the matter.
When contacted, the Chairman of Umunneochi LGA, Sunday Afurobi said he is not from Obinolu Chukwu community and did not know that the land was in dispute, explaining that his decision to site the project on the four plots of land was to create jobs and economic development.
“We have written to the Ndi Ezes and they showed me one land. If they have a court injunction I don’t know”, he said.
Afurobu said that the Ezes had promised to approach the Judge to seek his permission for the project, warning that he would relocate the project to another community if the Obinolu Chukwu community rejects the opportunity.