“I Bought Land from the Rightful Owners” – Nwaguatahihia Refutes Urum PG’s Claims

By Karen James

Chief Okechukwu Kingsley Chukwueme, Managing Director of Nwagu Heaven Estate, has dismissed allegations that he illegally acquired land in Ochiowa, Urum, Awka North Local Government Area. Speaking to journalists in Awka, Chukwueme, popularly known as Nwaguatahihia, insisted that the transaction was lawful and properly documented.

His response follows claims by Mr. Felix Godwin, President General (PG) of Urum Town Union, who alleged that the community was unaware of the sale and that the land was originally reserved for farming, not development. The PG also suggested that Chukwueme did not follow due process in acquiring the land.

Refuting these accusations, Chukwueme stated that five indigenes of the community, who jointly owned the land, made a unanimous decision to sell. He emphasized that the town’s Traditional Ruler witnessed the transaction and that all necessary documentation was in place. He also accused the PG of trying to tarnish his reputation because he refused to offer financial gratification.

“The land was lawfully purchased, properly documented, and transferred according to legal procedures. The necessary signatories have been secured, and the process of obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy is already in progress,” Chukwueme stated.

Supporting his claims, Igwe B. Nweke, the Traditional Ruler of Urum, clarified that the disputed land belonged to specific families, not the entire town. He explained that while a portion of the land had been revoked under former Governor Willie Obiano’s administration, the area in question remained private property.

Similarly, Mr. Ephraim Aniebonam, representing the landowning Uruokpala clan from Akitinyi village, confirmed that the land was family property, not communal. He questioned why the PG was involving the entire town in what he described as a private inheritance matter.