Host community, Umuseti in Ndokwa west council area of Delta state, has asserted that it will not cede its parcel of land acquired by Axxela, an oil and gas company to its neighbouring community based on a court judgment which it said is not binding on them.
Stakeholders from neighboring Emu Ebendo community recently staged a protest, claiming the ownership of the land following a Supreme Court judgement in their favour in 2003 even as they called on the oil firm to approach and negotiate with them to ensure peace and harmony in the community.
Both communities have been dagger-drawn laying claim to the land, which the company said in acquiring it, had followed rigorous due diligence and was in full compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
But addressing a press conference attended by the community stakeholders at the acquired land along Kwale – Ozoro-Ughelli expressway on Friday, Umuseti community stated that it was not a party to the suit and therefore cannot be bound by its ruling.
Spokesman of the community, High Chief Emmanuel Akpe, flanked by community leaders said 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.
According to him, the Umu-Mgbor family, as customary landowners, had utilized the land for farming and other economic purposes for so many years.
“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 conducted thorough due diligence before the purchase, consulting relevant families, local authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
“Compensation for economic crops was adequately paid to members of the Umu-Mgbor family, with no claims or objections raised by any other party.
High Chief Akpe expressed shock at the claims by the Emu Ebendo community, which he said, is located approximately four kilometers away from Umuseti., adding that the claims appeared to be rooted in a Supreme Court judgment involving Obodougua, another neighbouring community.
“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.
“This is not the first time such claims have arisen. In 2014, another oil company (name withheld) attempted to assert ownership of a parcel of land within Umuseti’s territory, citing the same Supreme Court judgment.
“The Kwale High Court, in suit No. HCK/24/2015 ruled in favour of Umuseti, stating that the community 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 the company
Reiterating the community’s support for the gas company, High Chief Akpe quipped :
“Axxela’s operations will significantly curb gas flaring, which has been a major menace in our community for years; it will create immense employment opportunities and generate significant revenue for both state and federal governments.
High Chief Akpe called 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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