Tension continued to mount in Nawfia Community, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Monday as elders and youths of Mmimi Communal Union staged a protest at the headquarters of the local government council over the alleged illegal sale of communal land by the union’s current leadership.
The protesters accused the executives of the union, led by Chairman Mr. Anayo Okongwu and Secretary Mr. Chido Nwankwo, of unlawfully selling a large expanse of community land known as Ezi Ebenebe without the consent of the people or adherence to the union’s constitutional procedures.
The demonstrators carried placards with various inscriptions condemning the alleged activities.
They appealed to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and the Njikoka Local Government Authority to urgently intervene and halt what they described as a dangerous trend capable of causing disunity, mistrust, and the collapse of long-standing traditional values within the community.
According to the protesters, the disputed Ezi Ebenebe land, said to consist of more than 40 plots, belongs collectively to the five kindreds under the Mmimi Communal Union – Umuobianagha, Umuoghom, Umueyiuche, Obeagu, and Umunwanduru.
They demanded a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the current union executives, immediate suspension of all transactions involving communal assets pending the outcome of investigations, and restoration of constitutional order and respect for traditional leadership structures.
Unlawful sale of communal land
Speaking during the protest, former Chairman of the union, Chief Gabriel Okonkwo, alleged that shortly after he resigned from office, some youths forcefully took over the leadership of the union and began disposing of communal properties.
He explained that the Ezi Ebenebe land had been officially surveyed and partitioned as far back as 1988 by the Surveyor-General of the old Anambra State and reserved for the construction of a civic centre and other community development projects.
Okonkwo lamented that the vision for the project had earlier been delayed because of a prolonged legal dispute involving another parcel of land between the union and a neighbouring community.
“While the community was waiting for the appropriate time to commence the project, the present leadership moved in and began selling the land that was reserved for future community use,” he said.
He added that many youths in the community were opposed to the alleged illegal transactions and had joined hands with elders to recover the land for the original purpose it was intended.
Also addressing journalists, spokesperson of the elders, Chief Goddy Achebe, accused a small group within the union leadership of violating the constitution and traditional procedures governing communal property.
Achebe explained that the union’s constitution clearly stipulates that any plan to sell communal land must first be presented to the five autonomous families during the Iri Ji Festival general meeting before being tabled at the union’s December general meeting for approval.
Condition for legitimate sale
According to him, at least four of the five kindreds must approve any sale and agree on the intended use of proceeds before such transaction can be considered valid.
He alleged that none of these constitutional requirements were followed, claiming instead that some individuals had resorted to intimidation and harassment of elders through operatives of Operation Udogachi.
“Critical decisions affecting the community are now taken without consultation with elders and family representatives, thereby undermining communal harmony and the traditional leadership structure,” Achebe said.
The immediate past Chairman of the union, High Chief Ifeanyichukwu Nkemka, also accused the current leadership of conducting unauthorized sales of community land allegedly amounting to about 60 plots.
Nkemka claimed that despite his tenure not having expired, he was forced out through what he described as a coordinated gang-up, after which the present leadership allegedly intensified the sale of communal assets.
He further alleged that the proceeds from the sales could not be accounted for and described the election that renewed the current executives’ tenure as a “kangaroo election.”
On his part, the youth Chairman of the union, Mr. Chinedu Ekwunife, commended the youths for supporting efforts to recover lands allegedly sold illegally and pledged that the properties would be reclaimed for the benefit of the entire community.
Mayor’s response
Responding to the protesters, the Mayor of Njikoka Local Government Area, Mr. Ononuba Chinedu, praised the peaceful conduct of the demonstration.
He assured the community that the council would thoroughly investigate the matter by hearing from all parties involved.
However, reacting to the allegations, the union Chairman, Mr. Anayo Okongwu, denied any wrongdoing, insisting that due process was followed in the sale of the land.
He maintained that funds realized from the transactions were used for community development projects and basic amenities.
Okongwu also disclosed that the matter had already been decided in court in favour of the current leadership, warning that continued agitation over the issue could tarnish the image of the community.
