Court Stops Delta Governor, Others Over Ekpan Land Dispute

By Diafa Doubra,

A Delta State High Court sitting in the Ekpan Judicial Division, Uvwie Local Government Area, has issued an interim order restraining Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the state’s Attorney General, and others from taking further action on a disputed parcel of land in Ekpan.

Also affected by the order is Dr. Kennedy Omonuwa of the late Vincent Onome Omonuwa family. The ruling follows a motion ex parte filed by counsel, C.U. Umode Esq, on behalf of Chief Mathias Ote and Samuel Akpomejeme, representing the Akpomejeme family of Ekpan, in suit No. HCE/26/2025.

Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Michael Nduka Obi, on Tuesday, August 7, granted two key prayers sought by the applicants. The court barred the defendants and their agents from tampering with or renovating the Akpomejeme family’s bungalow on Egbesaba land along Refinery Road, opposite the Nigerian Navy base in Ekpan, pending the hearing of the substantive motion. The order also prohibits any form of construction or development on the land, including the erection of fences or permanent structures.

The matter has been adjourned to August 18 for hearing. However, in a statement to journalists on Sunday, August 10, C.U. Umode alleged that, despite the court’s directive, workers believed to be government contractors were seen on the site on Saturday, August 9. He vowed to continue pressing the court to address what he described as oppression, disobedience to court orders, and injustices by government officials and other parties involved in the matter.