x

Umuseti Community reaffirms ownership of disputed land, urging Axxela Oil and Gas to resume operations 

By Anne Azuka 

Umuseti Community in Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State has reaffirmed ownership of land purchased by Axxela, Oil and Gas company in its community, urging the company to resume operations.

The Umuseti Community however, dismissed recent claims by some protesters from the Emu Ebendo community regarding the ownership of a parcel of land purchased by Axxela Company. 

Speaking to newsmen on the issue alongside the community stakeholders at the acquired land along Kwale-Ozoro-Ughelli expressway at the weekend, the Spokesperson for the Umuseti Community, High Chief Emmanuel Akpe stated 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.

High Chief Akpe emphasised that, “the Umu-Mgbor family, as customary landowners, have utilised this 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.” 

He disclosed that Axxela Company conducted thorough due diligence before the purchase, consulting relevant families, local authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders before it’s purchase.

Akpe posited that 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 unfounded claims by the Emu Ebendo community, located approximately four kilometers away from Umuseti. 

“These claims appear to be rooted in a Supreme Court judgment involving Obodougua. It is important to put it on record that Umuseti community was not a party to the suit and therefore cannot be bound by its ruling,” he stated. 

“This is not the first time such claims have arisen. In 2014, Xenergi Oil Company 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 Xenergi”, he explained.

High Chief Akpe reiterated the community’s support for Axxela’s investment, stating, “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.

” We view the current protests as a calculated effort by Xenergi to monopolise gas supply in the region, using Emu Ebendo as a proxy in what is essentially a trade war.” 

“The Umuseti Community remains committed to providing further evidence of its ownership and ensuring justice prevails”,he concluded. 

High Chief Akpe therefore, 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. 

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalistAs...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

United States And Terrorism Financing: The Paradox Of Global Security Initiative

By Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim,  AbujaIt is pertinent to trace...

El-rufai opens up on Tinubu’s issue in Chicago University, drugs traffics

*Say's "We were aware", regret supporting Tinubu By Achadu Gabriel,...

Kaduna ECWA DCC retired Pastors, others console family of late Elder Jatau Danladi Bako

Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna A delegation of retired pastors from Kwoi...

USPF Secretary Applauds ITU, UK-FCDO’s partnership on Nigerian rural connectivity

The Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF)...

Police debunks alleged abduction of El-rufai ex-commissioner Jafau

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaKaduna state police command has debunked...

Governor Yusuf Unveils Dangote’s 1Million Ramadan Food  Programme.

By Jabiru Hassan.   Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir...

Five wards in Specialist Hospital Sokoto equipped With Solar For effective service delivery

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto Inspecting the wards, the State Commissioner...

NTAC DG Hosts UNDP Senior Governance Advisor.

By Jabiru HassanThe Director General, Nigerian Technical Aid Corps,Rt.Hon.Yusuf...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img