The Obinolu Chukwu community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State is currently experiencing heightened tension following plans to establish a cassava processing plant on a parcel of land that remains under court litigation.
Community members have raised the alarm, insisting that the proposed project violates a subsisting court order issued by the Abia State High Court, Umunneochi Division, sitting in Nkwoagu Isuochi.
In a ruling delivered on April 30, 2025, by Justice Chido Nwakamma in Suit No. HUM/11/2025, the court restrained the defendants from surveying, parcelling, or carrying out any form of development on the disputed Obinolu Chukwu community land pending the final determination of the suit.
According to an indigene of the community, Mr. Sopuruchukwu Gold, the Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Hon. Sunday Afurobi, recently held a meeting with the traditional ruler of Obinolu Autonomous Community, Eze L.O. Uche, during which the decision to site the cassava processing plant on the disputed land was reportedly reached.
Gold warned that any attempt to disregard the court’s restraining order could jeopardise the peace of the community.
“We call on all defendants in the case to respect the ruling of Justice Chido Nwakamma. Any attempt to disobey the restraining order issued on April 30, 2025, could destroy the peace of the Obinolu Chukwu community,” he said.
The community has appealed to Governor Alex Otti and security agencies to urgently intervene to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
When contacted, Hon. Sunday Afurobi said he was unaware that the land was under dispute, explaining that his intention was purely to create employment opportunities and foster economic development in the area.
“We have written to the Ndi Ezes and they showed me one land. If they have a court injunction I don’t know,” Afurobi stated.
The council chairman added that the traditional rulers had promised to approach the court to seek permission for the project to proceed. He, however, warned that he would relocate the project to another community if the Obinolu Chukwu people reject the initiative.
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