…says the community remains supportive of development despite the ongoing Anambra airport project land dispute.
Omogho, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that a United Nations Ambassador for World Peace, Bishop Dr. Ozioma Ozoemena, has expressed displeasure over alleged invasion of community and ancestral lands, raising fresh concerns over the Anambra airport project land dispute in Ikpa-Odo, Omogho, Orumba North Local Government Area.
The cleric said the demolition of structures and farmlands in the area, reportedly linked to the proposed Aerotropolis project of the Anambra State Government, has intensified tensions surrounding the Anambra airport project land dispute.
Speaking with reporters on Friday, Ozoemena faulted what he described as illegal processes in the land acquisition exercise and cautioned those working for the state government against actions capable of triggering communal conflict.
He cited a state government white paper determining boundaries in the area, which he claimed has not been implemented, thereby worsening the Anambra airport project land dispute.
The bishop further warned that the Ndikelionwu President General, Mr. Edozie Edmund Obasi, should not donate portions of Omogho land estimated at about 2,400 hectares belonging to Iwollo, Agueke, Ubulu, Umunaba and other villages.
“Whatever agreements the Ndikelionwu President General had entered with the government on account of Omogho land cannot be sustained,” he said.
While calling on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently intervene in the escalating protests as he prepares for his second-term inauguration, the bishop assured that the community remains supportive of development despite the ongoing Anambra airport project land dispute.
He reiterated the community’s willingness to negotiate and donate portions of land for government projects provided due process is followed to ensure peace and protect livelihoods.
“I’m disappointed with what is playing out in my community and the way officials were allegedly misled to invade ancestral lands in the name of siting the Aerotropolis project,” he said.
“The land has been levelled by government caterpillars, including farms and crops, without prior notice, agreements or memorandum of understanding, which fuels the Anambra airport project land dispute.”
The cleric described the development as unacceptable, warning that misinformation could undermine the state government’s development agenda.
Ozoemena displayed copies of letters and documents, including correspondence addressed to the Ministry of Lands in Awka and a government white paper on boundary disputes involving Ndikelionwu, Amaokpala, Awgbu and Omogho communities.
He stressed that while development projects are necessary, proper verification of land ownership, transparent agreements, compensation and community benefits are essential to resolving the Anambra airport project land dispute and preventing unrest.
The bishop urged authorities to address the concerns urgently, noting that Omogho community has remained peaceful and hospitable over the years.
