The Umuezu Umuagubiam Oforola Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State is currently facing a serious land dispute that has caused unrest among residents.
Allegations of land grabbing, intimidation, and deceit have been directed at Barrister Oluchukwu Green Nnabugwu, a well-known Imo-based lawyer and real estate developer, and Honorable Kanayo Onyemaechi, the Majority Leader of the Imo State House of Assembly.
The concerns were brought forward by Elder Dr Godwin Eke, PhD, the eldest man of the kindred, who described the situation as a troubling attempt to unlawfully acquire and sell the community’s ancestral land known as Ohia Okohia.
Dr Eke, a Nigerian-born, United Kingdom-trained mechanical engineer with extensive experience, spoke on behalf of the community expressing their disapproval of what they consider a serious breach of trust.
At a press briefing on October 18, 2025, at his home in Umuezu Umuagubiam Oforola, the elder detailed the situation. According to him, Barr Nnabugwu, CEO of Greenland Integrated Services and Properties Limited, and Hon Onyemaechi, allegedly misled the community by stating that their land clearing was authorized by the Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma.
They claimed the action was to remove criminals from the area, a statement the community says is false and not approved by the Governor.
Dr Eke explained that the community was asked to sign a memorandum of understanding that was changed without their full knowledge.
Being visually impaired, he said he was unable to fully understand the documents he signed, which raises concerns about the legitimacy of the agreement.
Barr Nnabugwu reportedly paid six million naira initially, which was used for traditional rites, the purchase of a cow for the main landowners, youth settlement, and land clearing.
However, this payment was less than the agreed fifteen million naira. Following this, the lawyer allegedly began pressuring community members and using intimidation tactics, including hiring security, to sell the land to buyers without proper consent.
Dr Eke added that the original agreement was for 300 plots of land with 50 plots set aside for roads. Barr Nnabugwu is accused of increasing the number of plots to 374 without consulting the five families who own the land.
This change, according to the elder, was done without the community’s knowledge or approval.
The community also feels let down by Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi, who is said to have provided political support for Barr Nnabugwu’s activities.
Dr Eke expressed disappointment that a public official would be involved in such a matter, as it complicates the dispute and affects community peace.
Given the circumstances, the people of Umuezu Umuagubiam Oforola have decided to stop all negotiations and sales related to the land.
They are willing to return the six million naira they received, prioritizing the preservation of their land and heritage.
Dr Eke said the land is more than just property; it is an important part of the community’s identity and legacy for future generations.
The disputed land is located near the Owerri–Port Harcourt Road, close to FUTO Junction in Obinze and near the NDDC Housing Estate linking Umuokenne and Owerri.
In response to the situation, Dr Eke has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Imo State Commissioner for Lands, and security agencies to step in quickly to prevent any further conflict.
He cautioned that if left unresolved, tensions could rise in what has traditionally been a peaceful community.
Attempts to reach Barr Oluchukwu Green Nnabugwu and Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi for their comments were unsuccessful, with calls and messages unanswered at the time of publication.
The newspaper remains committed to balanced reporting and will provide updates if responses are received.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities trying to protect their ancestral lands and the need for transparency and respect for indigenous rights.
