Relief as Onitsha family reclaims ancestral land after 15-year battle, thanks Governor Soludo for intervention

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

After over 15 years of being denied access to their ancestral land by alleged land grabbers, the Agwuzani family of Umuaroli village in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State, has finally regained control of their land — thanks to the intervention of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

On Tuesday, family members in large numbers gathered joyfully at Ogwugwu Agbu, their ancestral farmland, in a symbolic return that marked the end of a protracted land dispute. The event was heavily guarded by State security personnel, who ensured peace amid lingering tensions with those accused of illegally occupying the land.

During the visit, the family sang songs of appreciation, praising Governor Soludo for stepping in after years of frustration and legal hurdles.

Speaking to journalists, Comrade Sunday Ogoazi, the Diokpa (head) of the Agwuzani family, revealed that the land spans over 1,000 hectares. While a portion was allocated to the government years ago with the family duly compensated the remaining section was illegally taken over by land speculators.

“When we went to court, the judge ordered that no one should access the land until a verdict was reached,” Ogoazi explained. “After we won the case last year, we attempted to access the land, but were chased away often violently by armed men believed to be working with the land grabbers.”

He said the family then reached out to Governor Soludo with a full copy of the court judgment. The Governor, he noted, promptly responded and ensured they could safely reclaim their land.

“Without his intervention, we would still be locked out. These individuals, some from outside Anambra, had mounted signboards and were selling plots as estate land our own ancestral land,” Ogoazi lamented.

Elder Azubuike Ejiamike, the family treasurer, recounted the historical significance of the land, noting that their forefathers farmed it long before the arrival of colonial authorities. He said it was even lent to a farmer from nearby Nkpor decades ago. However, internal disagreements within the family led to a court case 15 years ago, during which opportunistic encroachers took advantage of the situation.

“Security men had taken over and were selling off parcels of the land,” he said. “That was when we knew we needed help and Governor Soludo came through.”

Comrade Peter Ogoazi Olisa, a senior medical records officer at Guinness Eye Centre in Onitsha, expressed deep frustration at how previous administrations ignored the family’s plight.

“Some security agents, acting as estate developers, took over our land. It’s shocking,” he said. “But Governor Soludo acted on the facts, reviewed the archived 1910 colonial agreement, and upheld our ownership rights.”

Olisa praised the Governor for not only facilitating their return but also initiating developmental projects, including the provision of pipe borne water in the area.

“This is a clear example of responsive governance,” he said. “We hope other leaders will emulate Governor Soludo’s approach firm, fair, and transparent.”

The Agwuzani family sees this victory as not just a personal triumph, but a sign that justice can prevail when government listens to its people.