There is tension in Awka community of Anambra State following a disagreement between the traditional ruler of the kingdom, Obi Gibson Nwosu and the Ezioka community over the ownership of a stretch of land, known as Golf Course or Agwuimo Urunu land.
The people of Ezioka, led by 97-year-old Chief Patrick Nwabude Nwachukwu (chairman of Ndichie) and the angry youths of the community have sworn to invoke all legal means to protect the rights of Ezioka land owners in the area.
The monarch and Chief E.C Umerah, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, had earlier claimed that the piece of land was given to the government by Amikwo community during the administration of former governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
But briefing reporters yesterday at Umuogbunu town hall in Awka, the elders of Ezioka community, youths and their legal adviser, Hon. Kelue Molokwu, disputed the claim, adding that the claim was based on mischief.
According to what they called the true position, read out by its secretary, Hon, Ejike Onuorah, the community claimed that Anambra State government paid the joint owners of the land 20 percent compensation in 2007.
“It is not true that Agulu and Amikwo people gave the land in question to Anambra State government for the construction of a golf course.
“It is also clear that the two leaders were not properly informed or that they do not have a full grasp of the history of ownership of the land within Awka metropolis and that is why they gaffed in their claims.
“We therefore advise the two elders to be sure-footed before they speak on any matter next time.
“The truth is that government has acquired the land and paid compensation on crops and economic trees after due verification exercise of the ownership to which Eziokwa participated and were paid without any objection by the two quarters.
“The Government of Anambra State cannot be deceived by anybody, no matter how highly-place in society.
“The people of Ezioka community are watching with curious calmness, as nobody has a monopoly of restiveness, except that our youths do not want to be a clog in the wheels of the smooth running of government.
“We are not unmindful of the past mischief by some people from Agulu and Amikwo who illegally went into government land, sold some to unsuspecting public and later turned back to the same government to regularize their irregularity for them.
“We are still watching the events as they unfold and we shall invoke all legal means to protect the rights of all Ezioka land owners within the golf course/ Agwu Imo and Uvunu axis.”