Court Restrains Sale, Alienation, Development Of Ochiokwa Urum Land Pending Hearing
By Emmanuel Okonkwo
The High Court of the Awka Judicial Division has restrained all parties involved in the Ochiokwa land dispute in Urum Community, Awka North Local Government Area, from selling, alienating, developing or altering the disputed land pending the hearing and determination of the application for an injunction.
The Court, presided over by Honourable Justice Arinze Akabua, gave the order on June 23, 2026, as part of efforts to resolve the lingering land dispute between Urum Community and an estate developer, Mr. Nwageuataghighia.
It would be recalled that some years ago, members of Urum Community, led by the President-General, Sir Felix Oranye, staged a series of peaceful protests, calling on the Anambra State Government to intervene and help them recover the disputed land, which they alleged was illegally acquired by the estate developer from unidentified persons who claimed to be indigenes of the community.
The dispute later escalated, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of the President-General, Sir Felix Oranye, for three months before the matter was taken to court, where he was subsequently granted bail.
However, the people of Urum recently organised a grand reception for the President-General, Sir Oranye, following his release, during which they celebrated him for being their hero and defending the community at all costs.
Addressing the jubilant residents after touring the four villages in the community, Sir Felix thanked God for sustaining him throughout the three months he spent in prison, expressing confidence that the government’s intervention and the court’s action would ensure that justice prevails.
Sir Felix called on the people of Urum to remain united and committed to the peace and development of the community, assuring them that his administration would continue to carry everyone along, provided their actions are in the overall interest of the town.
The Chairman of Urum Elders Association, Nze Louis Umegbolu, commended Sir Felix for his steadfastness throughout the dispute and appealed to the government to expedite action towards ensuring justice and lasting peace.
Other community stakeholders, including the Chairman of Akitinyi Welfare Union, Mr. Donald Eze; the Vice Chairman of the Urum Land Committee, Chief Onyenwe Ndibe; Mrs. Alice Okoye; and Chief Joseph Obiekwe-Nwankwo, thanked God for what they described as His intervention in the matter, and urged residents to support the community leadership and avoid actions capable of disrupting the peace of the community.
