Fresh tension is building in Obinolu Chukwu Community, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, following renewed moves to site a proposed cassava processing plant on a parcel of land already under active litigation before the High Court of Abia State.
The situation has stirred concern among stakeholders and residents, who fear that proceeding with the project despite an existing court order and ongoing reconciliation efforts could heighten tensions and destabilize the fragile peace in the area.
The development comes after a recent visit by the Executive Mayor of Sunny Afurobi and his delegation to the palace of HRM Eze Amb. L.O. Uche, Nnakaeze I of Obinolu. During the visit, discussions reportedly centered on the siting of the cassava processing facility within the community.
According to accounts from the meeting, the Mayor disclosed that funding for the project was already secured and urged the community leadership to provide a suitable location for immediate commencement. Following the engagement, traditional rulers including HRM Eze Amb. L.O. Uche and HRH Eze Kenneth Ugah, Nnuga I of Isi-Obinolu, reportedly identified a site for the project.
However, emerging details indicate that the said land is the subject of a pending suit, Suit No. HUM/11/2025, before the High Court of Abia State sitting in the Nkwoagu Isuochi Judicial Division.
Court documents show that the dispute involves Don Destine Global Links Ltd and several defendants, including HRM Eze Amb. L.O. Uche, Barr. Chris Otum, Engr. Ekene Chisindi Oluegburu, Mr. Uche Obieze, Very Rev. Israel Ukachukwu, Hon. Chiagozie Egbu, Mr. Michael Anyikwa, Chief Sir Etomchukwu Alaekwe, Engr. Ndudirim Chukwu, and Engr. Onyekachi Eke.
In a ruling delivered on April 30, 2025, Hon. Justice C. Chido Nwakanma restrained all defendants, their agents, and privies from engaging in any survey, parceling, or allocation activities on the disputed land pending the determination of the substantive case. The order effectively maintains the status quo and bars any form of development or third-party engagement on the property.
The court directive has raised legal and constitutional concerns among observers, who warn that any attempt to proceed with development on the disputed land could undermine the authority of the judiciary and violate the rule of law.
Legal analysts emphasize that all parties including government officials, traditional institutions, and community stakeholders are constitutionally bound to respect subsisting court orders until they are set aside by a competent court.
The dispute has also reportedly drawn the attention of the Abia State Government. Stakeholders allege that a petition earlier submitted by the President-General of Obinolu Town Development Union, Barr. Chris Otum, prompted intervention by Governor Alex Otti, who subsequently referred the matter to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
This led to the constitution of a Peace and Reconciliation Committee tasked with mediating between the parties and restoring calm in the community. However, some stakeholders claim that the committee’s efforts have been hindered by inconsistent participation from key traditional leaders during reconciliation meetings.
They further allege that the absence of sustained engagement by some stakeholders has slowed progress in achieving a lasting resolution.
Meanwhile, concern is growing within the community that renewed attempts to access the disputed land for the cassava processing plant could derail both the judicial process and the government-backed peace initiative.
Residents warn that such actions risk escalating tensions, deepening internal divisions, and triggering fresh unrest in Obinolu Chukwu.
Community leaders are therefore calling for the immediate suspension of all activities relating to the project site until the court delivers its final judgment and the reconciliation process is fully concluded.
They have also urged the Abia State Government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to intervene swiftly to uphold the rule of law, preserve peace, and prevent a breakdown of order in the area.
