Land dispute: Family Exonerates Pondi, Accuses Warri Clergy of Illegal Acquisition, Forgery

By Stephen Asaba-ase

The Ovwere Family in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, has accused Archbishop God-do-Well Avwomakpa, Founder of Christ Missionaries Crusaders Church, of illegally acquiring their land and forging documents to support his claims.

At a press conference in Warri, the family representatives, Daniel Orogho and William Ovwurie, alleged that Avwomakpa trespassed on their land, surveying and acquiring areas he did not purchase. They claimed he forged deeds of conveyance and survey plans, including the signature of deceased family members.

The family stated that they sold land to Avwomakpa in 2000 but he had since illegally acquired additional land, including areas sold to Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL). They accused Avwomakpa of blackmailing Pondi and appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Chief Government Ekpemupolo to ignore Avwomakpa’s “rantings.”

The family provided documents, including deeds of conveyance, survey plans, and court papers, to support their claims. They urged Avwomakpa to stop his “emotional blackmail” and respect their rights as landlords.

However, Avwomakpa had earlier accused Pondi of alleged trespass and illegal acquisition of his church land situated at opposite NNPCL housing estates in Ekpan, near Warri, Delta State.

Meantime, the Ovwere Family described Avwomakpa as the aggressor, using forged documents and intimidation tactics to expand his church’s land holdings.