The Igbariam community, host to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, has taken legal action against Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Anambra State Government.
The community is seeking to reclaim their land, approximately 2,415 hectares, which was acquired by the old Eastern Region for farm settlement.
In a motion filed at the Awka High Court, the community, represented by President General Chris Oforkansi and others, is seeking an interim injunction to restrain the government and university from further encroaching on their land.
The community argues that the original purpose of the land acquisition was abolished in 1976, and the land should be returned to its original owners.
The community’s counsel, Vincent Makam, stated that the interim injunction is necessary to prevent further harm to the community, as the state government has taken over the land for the university and proposed agriculture university without their consent.
The state government’s counsel, Ezeagu Obianuju, countered that the government has a memorandum of understanding with the Igbariam community and is in possession of the land legally. The trial judge, Jude Obiora, adjourned the matter to August 30, 2024, for further hearing on the motion.
