By Rita Oyiboka
More than 300 property owners in Asaba, Delta State, have appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for urgent intervention following the demolition of their buildings at Parkview Estates, Anwai, amid a protracted dispute over land ownership involving Dennis Osadebay University.
The affected residents said the demolition, which allegedly took place on May 14, 2024, left families without homes and destroyed substantial financial investments.
Speaking after a court proceeding in Asaba, the Chairman of Parkview Estates, Chief Charles Ogbobe, alleged that the Delta State Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands carried out the demolition while legal proceedings over the disputed property were still ongoing.
He also claimed that an injunction had been issued to restrain further action.
According to Ogbobe, the land in question is situated at Anwai, an area formerly known as Musa Camp and later renamed Ugbomanta by the Asagba of Asaba.
He said the estate’s claim was based on an alleged legitimate acquisition from the Isieke community, which he maintained possessed documents supporting its ownership.
Ogbobe traced the dispute to an earlier land arrangement involving Reverend Prior, whom he described as a colonial administrator. He said the land was leased in 1953 for 50 years, with the lease expiring in 2003.
However, another affected property owner gave a different account of the lease’s expiration, underscoring the need for the competing claims to be clarified through the appropriate legal process.
“We never disputed the government’s right to own land, but we asked them to provide evidence of ownership,” Ogbobe said.
He further alleged that the demolition had contributed to severe hardship among residents, claiming that between 12 and 13 affected persons had died since the incident.
The estate chairman said the High Court had directed the parties to present survey plans identifying the boundaries of the disputed land.
The estate’s Vice Chairman, Mr. Samuel Onuwa David, also alleged that the demolition took place before the seven-day notice issued to occupants expired.
David disclosed that he lost a private school and a residential property, while four buildings belonging to his in-laws were also affected.
He appealed to the governor to examine the matter and consider compensation for those who lost their investments.
Another resident, Mr. Christian Nwaolisa, said he returned from Northern Nigeria to establish a home in his state of origin but lost his residence despite claiming to have obtained a Certificate of Occupancy and building approval.
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Mr. Chuks Okei similarly said he acquired his plot from the community, conducted a survey and obtained building approval before beginning construction in 2020. He said the development took about three years before the property was demolished.
The residents are now seeking government intervention, justice and a lasting resolution of the dispute.
They urged Oborevwori to ensure that the competing ownership claims are properly examined and that any relief or compensation due to affected property owners is considered in accordance with the law.
