WHEREAS the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, acting pursuant to Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), conducted an investigative hearing on Petition No. 735 concerning allegations of land grabbing, threats to life, unlawful encroachment, and wanton destruction of property within Obio/Akpor Local Government Area;
AND WHEREAS the Committee, by its official correspondence dated 17th February 2026 (Ref: SS/10HR/CT-03/001), expressly directed that all developments and activities on the disputed lands be immediately suspended pending final resolution;
AND WHEREAS it is imperative to uphold constitutional authority, preserve public peace, prevent escalation of tension, and forestall further acts capable of breaching public order within the affected communities;
AND WHEREAS the affected lands include:
• Ohia Egbelu Rumuosi (Victory Estate)
• Ali Egbelu Rumuawhoechor (Ohia Egbelu Land) – Rumuekini
• Iriebe Ikwerre-Ngwo Land
• Rumuigima Land
NOW THEREFORE, in exercise of my authority as Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and in the interest of public peace, security, and strict compliance with constitutional directives, I HEREBY ORDER as follows:
1. Immediate and Total Cessation of Activities
All forms of activity whatsoever on the above-listed disputed lands are hereby suspended with immediate effect. This includes but is not limited to:
• Construction of any structure (temporary or permanent)
• Excavation, sand-filling, dredging, or land clearing
• Fencing or demarcation
• Sale, allocation, transfer, advertising or marketing of plots
• Surveying, mapping, or documentation
• Installation of utilities or access roads
• Entry for development purposes
No new development shall commence and no ongoing development shall continue until further notice.
2. Mandatory Maintenance of Status Quo
All individuals, traditional rulers, community leaders, developers, companies, contractors, estate agents, surveyors, lawyers, consultants, and any person acting directly or indirectly on their behalf shall maintain strict status quo.
Any attempt to alter the present condition of the land, create third-party interests, or perfect documentation during this period shall be deemed a deliberate act of defiance.
3. Enforcement Powers
All relevant security agencies, enforcement task forces, and appropriate departments of the Local Government are hereby directed to:
• Monitor compliance continuously;
• Seal off sites where necessary;
• Stop ongoing activities;
• Arrest violators where appropriate;
• Document breaches for prosecution.
Equipment, machinery, or materials found on site in violation of this Order may be impounded pending investigation.
4. Liability for Non-Compliance
Any person, group, corporate entity, or professional found to be:
• Violating this Order;
• Aiding or abetting violation;
• Encouraging defiance;
• Creating fresh transactions on the disputed lands; shall be reported to the appropriate authorities and shall be liable to investigation and prosecution under applicable laws, including for acts capable of breaching public peace and obstruction of lawful authority.
Ignorance of this Order shall not be accepted as a defence.
5. Duration
This Order takes immediate effect and shall remain in force until formally lifted or varied upon resolution of the matter by the appropriate authority.
All stakeholders are strongly advised to comply fully in order to preserve peace, prevent escalation, and uphold the rule of law within Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
GIVEN under my hand and seal of Office this
26th day of February, 2026.
Hon. Dr. Gift O. Worlu
Chairman, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area
