Delta State Demolition Parkview Estates: 400 Homes Razed Amid Legal Battle

• Over 400 residents in Anwai, Delta State, have been displaced after their properties were demolished on May 14, 2024.
• More than 10 affected individuals have reportedly died due to hardship and emotional distress following the demolitions.
• The demolitions were allegedly carried out by the Delta State Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands (DSTOROGL) despite pending legal proceedings and an alleged court injunction.
• The dispute involves competing land ownership claims between Parkview Estates and Dennis Osadebay University, with historical leases dating back to 1953.
• Property owners, many holding Certificates of Occupancy, are appealing to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for compensation and the return of their land.

The demolitions were reportedly carried out by the Delta State Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands (DSTOROGL) despite ongoing legal proceedings and an alleged court injunction that should have prevented any action on the disputed land.

Over 400 individuals in Anwai, located near Asaba within the Delta State capital territory, are currently enduring severe hardship following the demolition of their properties. This extensive exercise, which took place on May 14, 2024, has tragically resulted in the deaths of more than 10 affected persons, attributed to the emotional distress and difficult living conditions that ensued. The demolitions were reportedly carried out by the Delta State Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands (DSTOROGL).

The affected property owners, united under the banner of Parkview Estates, Anwai, contend that their buildings were razed despite ongoing legal proceedings and an alleged court injunction that should have prevented any action on the disputed land. Christian Nwaolisa, one of the property owners, shared his dismay, having lost his home even after obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy and securing building approval before commencing development. He had intended to settle in his home state after returning from northern Nigeria, only to face this devastating loss.

The demolitions stem from a protracted land dispute involving Parkview Estates and Dennis Osadebay University (DOU) in Asaba. According to Chief Charles Ogbobe, Chairman of Parkview Estates, the contested land, initially known as Musa Camp in Anwai and later renamed Ugbomanta by the Asagba of Asaba, was legitimately acquired from the Isieke community, which possesses documents substantiating its ownership. The core of the conflict lies in competing claims between the local community and the state-owned university.

Historical records indicate that the land was originally leased to Reverend Prior, a colonial administrator, in 1953 for a 50-year term, which would have expired in 2003. However, Samuel Onuwa David, Vice-Chairman of Parkview Estates, stated that available documents suggest the university's lease expired even earlier, in 1991. Chief Ogbobe emphasized that while they do not dispute the government's right to land ownership, they have requested evidence of such ownership. The High Court has since directed both parties to present survey plans to clearly delineate the boundaries of the disputed property.

The impact of the demolitions has been described as "simply devastating" by Chief Charles Ogbobe, Chairman of Parkview Estates. He lamented the destruction of investments worth millions of naira, the displacement of families, and the profound emotional and financial hardship inflicted upon the residents. Mr. David, for instance, reported losing a private school, his residential building, and four additional properties belonging to his relatives.

Another affected owner, Chuks Okei, detailed his three-year development process on land acquired directly from the community, complete with a survey and government building approval, only for his property to be demolished. The human tragedy extends to the death of Grace Nwagbo's mother, whose health reportedly deteriorated significantly after the demolition. Grace recounted that her mother was never the same, suffering from elevated blood pressure and poor appetite due to constant preoccupation with her loss, eventually dying while residing in an uncompleted house near a river. The victims are now appealing to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, urging him to intervene as a compassionate leader, provide compensation for their destroyed homes, and facilitate the return of their land.

Lawyers should advise clients on the heightened risks associated with property development in Nigeria, particularly in Delta State, where land disputes involving government entities (like Dennis Osadebay University and DSTOROGL) can lead to demolitions despite alleged valid titles (Certificate of Occupancy) and pending court injunctions. This case underscores the critical need for robust due diligence, continuous monitoring of land litigation, and preparedness to challenge government actions that may disregard established legal processes.

Source: Original reporting via local Nigerian news outlets