The Obinolu Chukwu community in Umunneochi local government area of Abia State has been gripped by tension, following the planned establishment of a cassava processing plant on a disputed community land, contrary to a valid court order.
Some members of the community, who raised the alarm over the proposed project, advised all defendants in the case to respect the ruling by Justice Chido Nwakamma on the Obinolu Chukwu community land.
The community members claimed that the Chairman of Umunneochi local government area, Sunday Afurobi recently held a meeting with the traditional ruler of Obinolu autonomous community, Eze L.O. Uche where a proposal was made to site a cassava processing plant on the land that is still in dispute.
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 disobey the restraining order issued by Justice Chido Nwakamma on April 30, 2025, could destroy 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.
