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• Chief Emmanuel Akpe with other Chiefs and youths of Umuseti at the community
The Umuseti community in Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State has defended and reaffirmed ownership of the land sold to oil firm, Axxela.
The Emu-Ebendo community had protested over the alleged illegal acquisition of land, claiming the ownership of the land following a Supreme Court judgement in their favour in 2003.
They urged Axxela to quit the portion of land acquired from Umuseti for its businesses in the area.
But in a swift reaction, the spokesperson for the Umuseti community, Chief Emmanuel Akpe, told South-South PUNCH at the weekend in the community, that the land in question, located in the Oluji area, has been under the ownership and possession of the Umu-Mgbor family of Umuseti for generations, with a long history of agricultural and economic activities.
Akpe dismissed the claim by Emu Ebendo, noting that Umuseti was not a party to the Supreme Court judgment.
He said, “It is important to put it on record that the Umuseti community was not a party to the suit and therefore cannot be bound by its ruling. The Supreme Court judgment was between Emu-Ebendo and Obodougua community and not Umuseti.
“Historical records show that the area has been inhabited and developed by members of the Umuseti community for over a century, with houses, and other economic activities established long before Axxela arrived in 2024.
“Axxela Company adequately acquired the land and paid compensation for economic crops to members of the Umu-Mgbor family of Umuseti, with no claims or objections raised by any other party.”
Chief Akpe expressed shock at the unfounded claims by the Emu Ebendo community, located approximately four kilometres away from Umuseti.
He added, “This is not the first time such claims have arisen. In 2014, Umu-Ebendo attempted to assert ownership of a parcel of land within Umuseti territory, citing the same Supreme Court judgment.
“But the Kwale High Court, in suit number HCK/24/2015 ruled in favour of Umuseti, stating that Umuseti had provided sufficient evidence of ownership and that the judgment against Obodougua was not binding on Umuseti.
“This decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in Benin (CA/B/358/2016), which awarded costs against them.”
Chief Akpe reiterated the community’s support for Axxela’s investment, stating that Axxela’s operations will significantly curb gas flaring which has been a major menace in the community over the years.
He emphasized that the operation of the company will create immense employment opportunities, and generate significant revenue for both the state and federal governments.
The Umuseti community said it remains committed to providing further evidence of its ownership and ensuring justice prevails, calling on all parties to respect the rule of law and refrain from actions that could undermine the region’s peaceful coexistence and economic progress.
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