Odibola Properties Breaks Silence, Denies Buying Disputed Property Behind OPM From Amaewhule’s Family

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State — A fresh twist has emerged in the growing land controversy surrounding the property located behind Omega Power Ministries (OPM) Church along the Airport Road axis of Port Harcourt, as Odibola Properties has publicly rejected allegations that it bought the disputed land from the Amaewhule family.

The company, through its solicitors, E. V. William & Co., said it did not purchase the property directly from Fabulous Amaewhule or any other member of the Amaewhule family, insisting that its interest in the property arose from separate legal arrangements involving parties connected to previous litigation over the land.

The development has added another layer to an already contentious ownership dispute involving the property identified as Ada Oru Farm Land in Mbodo-Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The controversy intensified after representatives of the Amaewhule family warned the public and prospective investors against buying or dealing in the disputed property, alleging that the family had not authorised Odibola Properties or its representatives to sell portions of the land.

Odibola Properties has now come out to challenge.

Odibola: ‘We Did Not Buy This Land From Amaewhule Family’

In its response, Odibola Properties categorically denied the allegation that it acquired the disputed property from Fabulous Amaewhule.

The company maintained that its interest in the property should not be presented as a direct purchase from the Amaewhule family.

According to the company’s legal representatives, the history of the property is tied to earlier court proceedings involving the Mbodo-Aluu Community, members of the Rumuawhoechor family of Rumuekini Community and other parties.

The company referred to Suit No. PHC/1461/2017, which it said was determined by the Rivers State High Court.

It further cited subsequent appellate proceedings and settlements which, according to the company, form part of the legal foundation for its interest in the property.

Odibola Properties therefore urged the public to consider the complete history of the litigation and subsequent legal arrangements before reaching conclusions about how the company came to have an interest in the property.

The Amaewhule family, however, has maintained a completely different position.

Representatives of the family have described the property as ancestral family land, identified as Ada Oru Farm Land, situated behind OPM Church along Airport Road.

The family has warned prospective buyers and investors to exercise extreme caution, insisting that it did not authorise the sale of the property.

The family has also pointed to ongoing proceedings before the Rivers State High Court, Isiokpo Judicial Division, concerning the ownership and dealings associated with the disputed land.

The matter reportedly involves Chief Green Amaewhule v. Fabulous Amaewhule, Odibola Properties and Mr. Bolaji Oshobukola, among other issues.

The family’s position is that the dispute has not been finally resolved and that members of the public should not enter into transactions concerning the property without first establishing the legal status of the land.

At the centre of the dispute is not merely the question of who is marketing the land, but the more fundamental question of who has the legal authority to sell, transfer or otherwise deal with the property.

Odibola Properties says its interest is supported by previous court proceedings, settlements and legal arrangements.

The Amaewhule family disputes the company’s position and continues to assert its ownership claim.

The competing positions mean that the controversy could ultimately depend on the interpretation of court judgments, appeal records, settlement agreements, title documents and other evidence presented before the court.

The company has also taken issue with reports suggesting that it purchased the disputed land directly from Fabulous Amaewhule.

Through its solicitors, Odibola Properties demanded clarification and correction of what it considers inaccurate representations of its position.

The company maintained that allegations suggesting that it unlawfully acquired or marketed the land should not be treated as facts while the ownership dispute remains subject to judicial determination.

It further indicated that it reserves its legal rights over statements that it considers defamatory or damaging to its reputation.

The controversy has attracted considerable attention because of the location of the property, which is situated within a rapidly developing part of the Port Harcourt–Ikwerre axis.

Odibola Properties has publicly advertised real estate projects within the broader Obiri-Ikwerre/Mbodo-Aluu area, including Peace Park Estate. located on Obiri-Ikwerre Road behind OPM Church.

The proximity of the company’s property activities to the disputed area has heightened public interest in the ownership controversy.

However, Odibola Properties has insisted that its legitimate business activities should not be confused with the allegations being made concerning the specific disputed property.

With both sides maintaining opposing positions, prospective land buyers have been placed in a difficult position.

Legal practitioners and property experts generally advise buyers involved in disputed properties to conduct comprehensive title searches and obtain independent legal advice before making payments or signing agreements.

In the present case, the competing claims make verification particularly important.

A buyer who proceeds without properly establishing the ownership and authority to sell could potentially become entangled in lengthy litigation.

For now, the land controversy remains a clash of competing claims.

The Amaewhule family insists that the property is family land and has warned the public against transactions involving it. Odibola Properties strongly denies purchasing the land from the family and maintains that its interest arose through separate legal arrangements connected to previous proceedings.

The next major development is expected to come through the ongoing legal process, where the parties will have the opportunity to place their documents and arguments before the court.

Until the issues are finally resolved, the disputed property behind OPM Church remains at the centre of a growing legal and property battle in Rivers State.

9NEWS NIGERIA will continue to monitor the proceedings and report developments as they emerge.