Reported by Simon yusuph,| Journalist at wengglobal
The traditional ruler of Umuawulu community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene in the protracted land ownership dispute dividing sections of the community, while firmly denying allegations that he has taken sides in the contentious matter.
The appeal comes amid renewed tension over the ownership of disputed ancestral land involving Umuenu and Enugwu quarters of Umuawulu, a conflict that has sparked protests, legal arguments, and growing concerns about peace and stability within the community.
Speaking in response to allegations linking him to one faction in the dispute, the monarch rejected claims that he was supporting either party, insisting that his primary responsibility remains the preservation of peace, justice, and unity in Umuawulu.
According to the royal father, reports portraying him as backing one side of the conflict are inaccurate and risk escalating tensions in a dispute that has already generated significant public attention.
The monarch appealed directly to Governor Soludo to facilitate an impartial resolution, emphasizing that only a transparent and lawful intervention by the state government can restore lasting peace and prevent further deterioration of relations among residents.
The dispute centres on ownership claims over ancestral land that both Umuenu and Enugwu quarters consider historically significant. The disagreement has persisted for years and has increasingly drawn the attention of community leaders, government officials, security agencies, and the courts.
Recent weeks have witnessed peaceful demonstrations by members of both communities, with each side presenting contrasting narratives regarding the ownership of the disputed territory.
Earlier, members of Umuenu Quarter staged protests urging the Anambra State Government to allow the matter to be resolved strictly through existing judicial decisions. Community representatives argued that previous court rulings should guide any government intervention and expressed concerns over what they described as attempts to alter established legal outcomes.
Conversely, members of Enugwu Quarter have also organized demonstrations, alleging that they have become victims of intimidation and wrongful accusations. They called on Governor Soludo to investigate the dispute comprehensively while maintaining that they are defending what they describe as their ancestral land.
Against this backdrop, the monarch stressed that the traditional institution should not be viewed as an interested party in the disagreement. He maintained that his palace remains committed to dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for lawful processes rather than promoting the interests of any particular group.
His intervention seeks to calm rising emotions after various allegations circulated during recent protests. Some demonstrators had accused the traditional institution of favouring one side of the dispute, claims the monarch has now categorically dismissed.
Community disputes over land remain among the most sensitive issues across Nigeria, particularly where ancestral ownership, inheritance, and historical boundaries intersect with modern administrative structures. Experts note that unresolved boundary disagreements often affect agriculture, investment, social cohesion, and local development if not managed through transparent legal and traditional mechanisms.
Governor Soludo’s administration has repeatedly emphasized peaceful conflict resolution in community disputes, encouraging dialogue alongside adherence to judicial decisions and established legal procedures.
Political observers believe the governor’s intervention, if accepted by all parties, could help reduce tensions while reinforcing confidence in lawful dispute resolution mechanisms.
The latest appeal by the monarch also reflects broader concerns that prolonged uncertainty could deepen divisions within Umuawulu unless all stakeholders including community leaders, youth groups, elders, government officials, and the judiciary work together toward a mutually acceptable outcome.
Security analysts have similarly warned that unresolved communal disputes, particularly those involving land ownership, can create conditions for prolonged instability if grievances remain unaddressed. Consequently, many stakeholders continue to advocate mediation, dialogue, and strict compliance with judicial processes instead of confrontation.
For residents of Umuawulu, the central issue extends beyond ownership of land. The dispute has become a test of community unity, institutional trust, and confidence in both traditional leadership and government intervention.
As the controversy continues, attention remains focused on the Anambra State Government and Governor Soludo’s next steps. Community leaders from different quarters have expressed hope that any official intervention will prioritize fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law while safeguarding peace within the community.
The monarch reiterated that he has no personal interest in the disputed land and urged all parties to avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of worsening tensions. Instead, he encouraged residents to embrace dialogue and allow lawful institutions to determine outstanding issues.
Observers say a peaceful resolution would not only restore harmony in Umuawulu but also serve as an important example of how longstanding communal disputes can be resolved through collaboration, legal processes, and responsible leadership.
Sources:
- Punch Newspapers
- News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
- Anambra Daily
- GazetteNGR
