… dismisses claims by Emu Ebendo

Oredola Adeola

The Umuseti Community in Utagba-Ogbe has confirmed the sale of a parcel of land to Axxela Company for its planned gas processing plant in Umuseti, Delta State, stating that the property had been owned and possessed by the Umu-Mgbor family for generations before the transaction.

High Chief Emmanuel Akpe, spokesperson for the Umuseti Community, issued this statement in response to recent claims by some protesters from the Emu Ebendo community regarding the land’s ownership.

According to him, the property, located in the Oluji area, has long been utilized for agricultural and economic activities by the Umu-Mgbor family.

“The Umu-Mgbor family, as customary landowners, have used this land for farming and other economic purposes for many years.

“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.

High Chief Akpe emphasized that Axxela conducted thorough due diligence before purchasing the land.

He added that the company consulted relevant families, local authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

He further explained that compensation for economic crops was duly paid to members of the Umu-Mgbor family, with no objections raised by any other party at the time.

Expressing shock at the claims from Emu Ebendo, a community located approximately four kilometers away from Umuseti, High Chief Akpe pointed out that the allegations appear to be linked to a Supreme Court judgment involving Obodougua.

He clarified, “It is important to note that Umuseti was not a party to that suit and therefore cannot be bound by its ruling.”

He also recalled a similar dispute in 2014 when Xenergi Oil Company attempted to assert ownership over 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, confirming that the community had provided sufficient evidence of ownership and that the judgment against Obodougua was not binding on Umuseti.

“That decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in Benin (CA/B/358/2016), which also awarded costs against Xenergi,” he explained.

Reaffirming the community’s support for Axxela’s investment, High Chief Akpe highlighted the benefits of the project. “Axxela’s operations will significantly curb gas flaring, which has been a major issue in our community for years.

“It will create immense employment opportunities and generate substantial revenue for both the state and federal governments,” he stated.

He further alleged that the current protests are a calculated effort by Xenergi to monopolize gas supply in the region, using Emu Ebendo as a proxy in what he described as a trade war.

Assuring that Umuseti will continue to defend its ownership rights, High Chief Akpe called on all parties to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could undermine peaceful coexistence and economic progress in the region.

Meanwhile, Axxela, in an earlier statement obtained by Advisors Reports, reaffirmed that its land acquisition process in Umuseti was conducted with extensive due diligence and in full compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.