Obollo Group Warns Land Buyers Against Alleged Sale of Communal Land

Concerned sons and daughters of Obollo, under the umbrella of the Obollo Development Association, have warned prospective land buyers and property developers against an alleged clandestine sale of communal land in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The group, in an open letter dated October 8, 2026, addressed to the traditional rulers of Obollo-Afor and Amutenyi autonomous communities, condemned the purported transaction, describing it as a possible violation of the customs, traditions and collective interests of the Obollo people.

The letter, signed by the Chairman of the Obollo Development Association, Mr. Ike Abonyi, alleged that some traditional rulers, in connivance with unnamed individuals and land speculators, had engaged in or perfected the sale of communal land without due process, transparency or the consent of the people.

The association, however, framed its allegations conditionally, stating that if the reports were true, such actions would amount to a betrayal of the trust reposed in traditional rulers as custodians of communal heritage.

It maintained that traditional rulers and members of Oha Obollo in Council were custodians, rather than owners, of communal land and therefore had no right to dispose of such property unilaterally.

The group outlined what it described as the established customary procedure for disposing of communal land in Obollo, including deliberation by Oha Obollo in Council, comprising traditional rulers, Ndi Oha, Ndi Isi-Ubo and elders from the constituent autonomous communities and villages.

It also called for a properly convened general assembly involving village heads, town union executives, youth and women groups, and representatives of the various kindreds.

According to the association, any decision to sell communal land must be properly documented, with the purpose of the sale, the identity of the buyer, the consideration and the application of the proceeds disclosed to the community.

It further insisted that any transaction must comply with applicable laws, including the Land Use Act, and involve the relevant authorities.

As part of its warning to prospective buyers, the association declared that anyone purchasing or attempting to purchase Obollo communal land without what it considers the requisite written authorisation risks losing the investment.

The group urged individuals, corporate bodies, estate agents and property developers to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any proposed land transaction before making payments.

It also demanded that the traditional rulers immediately discontinue any negotiations or activities relating to the alleged sale of communal land.

The association further requested that, if any money had already been collected, it should be refunded to the purported buyers within 14 days of receipt of the letter, with the parties restoring the status quo. It also called for a public disclaimer repudiating the alleged transaction.

The group warned that failure to meet its demands would compel it to petition the Enugu State Government, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the Udenu Local Government Council and security agencies, while pursuing appropriate customary and legal remedies.

The association stressed that Obollo communal land represented the people's heritage, history and future, insisting that decisions concerning such property should not be taken by a few individuals without appropriate consultation and authorisation.