Eze Gbakagbaka Declares War On Land Grabbing … Threatens Perpetrators With Prosecution

The Eze Gbakagbaka of Evo Kingdom, His Majesty, King Leslie N. Eke, has declared zero tolerance for land grabbing, fraudulent land transactions and unlawful destruction of properties in hos kingdom, and warned perpetrators to desist or face prosecution.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Human Rights and External Relations to the monarch, Chief Omenazu Jackson, in Port Harcourt.

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom expressed displeasure over reports of illegal land acquisition, demolition of buildings, destruction of farmlands and displacement of residents from their homes by suspected land speculators across Evo Kingdom.

He described the alleged activities as a serious threat to the ancestral heritage, economic livelihoods, security and peaceful coexistence of the Evo people, saying that the kingdom would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the lawful rights of its people.

“Evo Kingdom is not a no-man’s land, and we will not surrender our ancestral heritage to land grabbers, fraudulent speculators or their willing collaborators. Our ancestral lands are not available for unlawful acquisition, intimidation or destruction”, the statement quoted the monarch.

He stressed that the protection of ancestral lands was fundamental to preserving the identity, history and collective heritage of Evo Kingdom, warning individuals and groups against laying claim to, selling or developing land without establishing legitimate legal ownership.

He also cautioned prospective land buyers, property developers and investors to conduct proper investigations, verify land titles and ensure that transactions complied with applicable laws and recognised landholding procedures before committing their resources.

The Eze Oha Evo III called on the Nigeria Police Force, relevant security agencies, land administration authorities and prosecutor institutions to investigate reported cases of land grabbing, identify those responsible and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He urged community leaders, landholding families and residents to cooperate with lawful authorities by reporting suspicious land transactions, illegal encroachments, threats and acts of destruction of property.

While reaffirming his commitment to peace and the peaceful resolution of disputes, the monarch said the protection of Evo Kingdom’s ancestral heritage must not be compromised by individuals seeking unlawful personal gains.

He stated that ancestral lands throughout the kingdom must be respected, legitimate property rights protected, and anyone involved in illegal land grabbing held accountable through appropriate legal processes.

He advised residents, landowners, investors and prospective property developers to respect the territorial heritage of Evo Kingdom and ensure that all land-related transactions were conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.

King Onunwor