Princess Stella Njemanze-Neboh's appeal follows alleged forceful encroachment by officials despite the Njemanze family's victory in court.
Princess Stella Njemanze-Neboh, a prominent member of the Njemanze dynasty in the Owerri Municipal Council area of Imo State, has issued a strong plea to the state government. She is urging the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma to comply with a recent court judgment concerning Area K Land, which was awarded to the Njemanze family.
The appeal comes in the wake of alleged forceful encroachment on the land by government officials. These actions reportedly defy the standing court judgment, creating significant tension and conflict over the property rights in the region.
Princess Njemanze-Neboh emphasized that the land was legally granted to the Njemanze family through a State High Court ruling presided over by Justice K. A. Ojiako under suit number HOW/146/1999, according to reporting by Daily Post Nigeria.
The Genesis of the Area K Land Dispute
Princess Njemanze-Neboh detailed the historical context of the Area K Land acquisition. She explained that the Njemanze family obtained the land through a thoroughly documented process involving the Njemanze dynasty and the people of Umuguma. This transfer served as compensation for the tragic death of one of her uncles.
“We challenge anyone that claims to own a piece of property at Area k to rise up and tell us how their mother or grandmother convinced Umuguma to give her their piece of land,” Princess Njemanze-Neboh stated. She reinforced the legitimacy of their claim, citing her late father’s account, who witnessed the profound pain endured by his father, King Njemanze Ihenacho, Ozurigbo I of Owerre, following his brother’s death.
“The truth as narrated by my late dad is solid and from a man whose brother was killed and witnessed the pain and agony my late grandfather King Njemanze Ihenacho, Ozurigbo 1 of Owerre had to endure. For my late dad it was real and painful,” she recounted. She added that her grandfather valued his son’s life above any property: “My grandfather would never want to trade the life of his son for a piece of land in Area K. He would rather have his son than the land he was given.”
Long-Standing Claims and Government Encroachment
Princess Njemanze-Neboh also shed light on how the land became a point of contention with other community members. She mentioned that the Njemanze family, possessing numerous properties, generously allowed women from Amawom village, whose husbands lacked farmlands, to use Area K annually for food cultivation. “So out of the goodness of their heart they allowed several women from Amawom village whose husbands did not have farmlands to use Area k annually to grow food,” she confirmed.
Over the years, these women allegedly assumed ownership of the loaned lands, passing this misconception to their descendants who now assert claims. Despite this, the Njemanze family remains willing to share the land with the people of Amawom. This generosity stems from the risk taken by Amawom youths when former Governor Rochas Anayo Okorocha allegedly attempted to seize the land forcefully.
Princess Njemanze-Neboh expressed regret that after successfully confronting Okorocha, the family now faces a similar struggle with Governor Uzodinma over the same land, despite the matter being definitively settled by a competent court. She lamented the unfairness of forceful land acquisition without prior consultation or compensation, vowing strong resistance to any such attempts.
Political Implications and Unaddressed Grievances
In her appeal, Princess Njemanze-Neboh directly addressed Governor Uzodinma, highlighting the political timing. “Governor Uzodinma, this is not the time to fight the Njemanzes and Owerre Nshi Ise. Your political party has elections coming up very soon,” she cautioned. She recounted her personal support for Uzodinma’s second-term gubernatorial election just two years prior.
“Two years ago during your Gubernatorial election for a second term, an Njemanze daughter and princess campaigned tirelessly with her own money, hanging billboards all over Owerri, running jingles on the radio and some newspapers adverts calling on Owerre Nshi Ise and surrounding cities to reelect you for a second term,” she stated. She noted that Uzodinma won Owerre Nshi Ise by a landslide, attributing it to her community’s response to her call for support, and expressed disappointment that the "good work" from his first term seemed to be stalling.
The Princess questioned why every successive governor appears interested in Area K Land without acknowledging the rightful owners. She highlighted that the land is specifically designated for farming, crucial for combating hunger, and represents the only remaining land for the family. She pointed out the alleged pattern of the Imo State government taking Owerre lands without compensation, despite offering discussions for compensation to other communities. “I have seen letters written by your commissioner of land to other Communities telling them to meet with him to discuss compensation. Why not Owerre Nshi Ise,” she questioned.
Judicial Victory and Resistance Pledges
The court case confirming the Njemanze family's ownership of Area K Land spanned a decade before a judgment was delivered in their favor. Princess Njemanze-Neboh asserted that the government's appropriate response to the ruling would have been to appeal the judgment, a step they failed to take.
She strongly condemned the forceful encroachment by the government, characterizing it as "bullying on helpless and voiceless Community who cannot fight back." Princess Njemanze-Neboh affirmed that the Njemanze family members, including those living abroad, are resolute in challenging any infringement upon their rights. “We are all patriotically ready to fight to protect our rights and the rights of the Communities that make up Owerre Nshi Ise,” she declared, underscoring their unified determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Princess Stella Njemanze-Neboh?
Princess Stella Njemanze-Neboh is a princess of the Njemanze dynasty in Owerri Municipal Council area, Imo State, Nigeria. She is a prominent voice advocating for her family's land rights.
What is the Area K Land dispute about?
The Area K Land dispute involves the Njemanze family's claim of ownership over a specific parcel of land in Imo State, legally awarded to them by a court judgment, against alleged forceful encroachment by the Imo State government.
What was the outcome of the court case for Area K Land?
A State High Court, presided over by Justice K. A. Ojiako (suit number HOW/146/1999), ruled in favor of the Njemanze family, confirming their ownership of Area K Land after a ten-year legal battle.
Why is Princess Njemanze-Neboh publicly appealing to Governor Uzodinma?
Princess Njemanze-Neboh is appealing to Governor Hope Uzodinma to obey the standing court judgment on Area K Land following alleged forceful encroachment by government officials, emphasizing the unfairness and the political implications for his administration.
What is the Njemanze family's stance on sharing Area K Land?
Despite the current conflict, the Njemanze family has expressed willingness to share the land with the people of Amawom village, acknowledging their past support against a previous attempt by former Governor Rochas Anayo Okorocha to seize the land.