Elders of Umuseti Community in Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, Ndokwa West Council of Delta State have reaffirmed ownership of land purchased by Axxela, despite claims of ownership by the neighboring Emu Ebendo community.

At a press conference on Friday in Umuseti Community, along the Ughelli/Asaba expressway, the elders ordered Axxela to proceed with operations on the land it bought without further delay.

Although Emu Ebendo community had protested, claiming ownership of the parcel of land purchased by Axxela, the spokesperson for Umuseti Community, High Chief Emmanuel Akpe, clarified that “the land in question, located in the Oluji area, has been under the ownership and possession of the Umu-Mgbor family of Umuseti for generations, with a long history of agricultural and economic activities.”

Responding to recent claims by some protesters from the Emu Ebendo community, High Chief Akpe said that the Umu-Mgbor family, as customary landowners, have utilised “this land for farming and other economic purposes for many years.”

According to him, historical records show that the area has been inhabited and developed by members of the Umuseti community for over a century, with houses and other economic activities established long before Axxela arrived in 2024.

He stated that Axxela conducted thorough due diligence before purchasing the land, consulting relevant families, local authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

He further noted that compensation for economic crops was adequately paid to members of the Umu-Mgbor family, with no claims or objections raised by any other party.

High Chief Akpe, however, expressed shock at the unfounded claims by the Emu Ebendo community, located approximately four kilometers from Umuseti.

“These claims appear to be rooted in a Supreme Court judgment involving Obodougua, which, of course, Umuseti Community was not a party to and therefore cannot be bound by its ruling.

“This is not the first time such claims have arisen. In 2014, Xenergi Oil Company attempted to assert ownership of a parcel of land within Umuseti’s territory, citing the same Supreme Court judgment.

“The Kwale High Court, in Suit No. HCK/24/2015, ruled in favor of Umuseti, stating that the community had provided sufficient evidence of ownership and that the judgment against Obodougua was not binding on Umuseti.

“This decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in Benin (CA/B/358/2016),” explained Akpe, who volunteered to provide further evidence of the community’s ownership of the land.

High Chief Akpe reiterated the community’s support for Axxela’s investment, adding, “Axxela’s operations will significantly curb gas flaring, which has been a major menace in our community for years. It will create immense employment opportunities and generate significant revenue for both the state and federal governments.”