Former Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Chijioke Ihunwo has dismissed allegations of land grabbing levelled against him in a petition before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, describing the claims as false and a deliberate attempt to distort facts for personal gain.
The petition, referenced No. 735, concerns alleged land grabbing and related matters in Obio/Akpor.
In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Dr. Amadi Eze, and dated February 19, 2026, Ihunwo said the accusations were made by certain individuals from the Rumuijima Community and were unfounded.
According to the statement, leaders of the Rumuijima Community in 2022 granted Ihunwo a Power of Attorney to survey and secure their land located at Ohia Azu Mini Agha in Rukpokwu Town, manage the property, and create access roads to facilitate development.
The statement said Ihunwo carried out the mandate and helped the community repel alleged encroachers who had previously invaded the land.
Following the execution of the initial assignment, the community leaders reportedly issued a second Power of Attorney authorising him to manage the land and source prospective buyers.
Ihunwo subsequently indicated interest in purchasing the land himself, and the parties agreed on a negotiated price, the statement added.
The statement further disclosed that part payments were made, with individuals including Ogezi Luke Amadi and Theophilus Iheanyichukwu Amadi said to have received ₦10 million each at the initial stage, alongside subsequent payments in line with the agreement.
It maintained that the transactions were voluntary and contractual, insisting that the allegations of forceful occupation or unlawful grabbing were baseless.
However, the dispute escalated before the agreed deadline for full payment, when some individuals allegedly attempted to resell the land. This led to multiple court cases, including Suit Nos. PHC/3597/CS/2025, PHC/1726/CS/2025, and PHC/1001/CS/2025.
Ihunwo said he has filed his defence in all the suits and that the matters are currently before competent courts, making them sub judice.
The ambassador also expressed concern that the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council did not invite him to present his side of the matter before escalating the issue, stressing the need for fair hearing in line with the principle of natural justice.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and stated that he has submitted all relevant documents, including the Powers of Attorney, payment records, and court processes, for judicial determination.
Ihunwo welcomed what he described as any fair and transparent investigation, maintaining that he acted within legally granted authority and remains committed to peace and development in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
