Umuseti community reaffirms Axxela company legitimate ownership of land in Delta
HRH Okpala-Uku of Umuseti, Sunday Eboh Ogwe, of Umuseti Community, Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State on Friday flanked by some chiefs
Legitimacy
By Ifeanyi Olannye
Kwale(Delta), March 14, 2025(NAN) The Umuseti Community in Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale in Ndokwa west Local Government Area in Delta on Friday reaffirmed the legitimacy of ownership of a parcel of land acquired in the community by Axxela company.
The community at a press conference at the construction site of the land in question, issued a formal response to recent claims by some protesters from the Emu Ebendo community regarding the ownership of a parcel of land purchased by Axxela oil and gas company.
The community elders, chiefs, women and youths led by Okwa Robert Opute, Okwa Peter Akwaligbe, High Chiefs Tony Ezeuku and Emmanuel Akpe were on ground to present their issues before the journalists.
They said that the operation of Axxela as gas processing company has capacity to stop gas flaring and its pollutant effects.
They also said that the company when fully operational would be of immense benefit in creating employment for our people in Umuseti and our brothers in Emu Ebendo and also raise the internally generated revenue for the state and Federal Government.
The Community Spokesperson, High Chief Emmanuel Akpe, a Lawyer, centre addressing journalists on Friday at Umuseti Community, Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State.
The Community Spokesperson, High Chief Emmanuel Akpe, said 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.
According to him, 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.
“Axxela Company conducted thorough due diligence before the purchase, consulting relevant families, local authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
“Compensation for economic crops was adequately paid to members of the Umu-Mgbor family, with no claims or objections raised by any other party,” they said.
Akpe, however, 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 said.
Akpe added, “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 reiterated the community’s support for Axxela’s investment, adding, “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.”
Akpe said that the Umuseti Community remains committed to providing further evidence of its ownership and ensuring justice prevails.
He 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.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IO/EBI
Edited by Benson Iziama
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