By Karen James

In Anambra State, Tension is brewing in Onitsha South Local Government Area as businessman Uzoeto Sabest has accused the council chairman, Chief Emeka Orji, of unlawfully demolishing his property worth over N700 million.
Speaking to journalists at the site of the demolished buildings on Silas Works Road, Onitsha, a visibly distressed Sabest described the demolition as an act of “insensitivity, callousness, and high-handedness.” He called on Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to intervene and ensure justice is served.
Property Allegedly Demolished Despite Court Case
Sabest, who claimed to possess a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), an approved building plan, and all other necessary documents for the land, alleged that Orji ignored due process and disregarded an ongoing court case concerning the property.
“Where is the justice? Where can citizens seek refuge if they cannot turn to the court for protection? What they are creating is anarchy, and it will not be good for any of us,” he lamented.
The businessman further disclosed that his demolished buildings housed numerous traders, many of whom were petty vendors relying on the premises for their daily income. He accused the LGA chairman of not only destroying his property but also crippling the livelihoods of these traders.
History of the Land Dispute
Sabest recounted how, shortly after Orji assumed office as Caretaker Chairman in 2023, he invited him for a meeting regarding the property. Following a review by a five-member committee set up by Orji himself, Sabest said he was cleared, and his documents were confirmed as legitimate. However, despite this clearance, the council allegedly continued issuing removal notices on his property.
He further claimed that in January 2025, his lawyer wrote to Orji and relevant security agencies, informing them that the matter was still in court, but his warnings were ignored.
Threats and Forced Eviction Alleged
Sabest alleged that Orji boasted about having the governor’s backing and even claimed control over the judiciary and security agencies in the state. He also recounted receiving a warning from a local government official that there were plans to eliminate him and label him as an “Unknown Gunman (UGM).”
“I have never seen anything like this in my life. Local government has no power under our laws to demolish any property. If my land was not legitimate, the governor would have revoked my C of O under overriding public interest,” he argued.
Council’s Response and Businessman’s Rebuttal
Reacting to the controversy, the Secretary of Onitsha South Local Government, Mr. Paul Onuachalla, claimed that the demolished land originally belonged to the council and was earmarked for a primary healthcare project.
According to Onuachalla, Sabest knew the transaction was illegal before acquiring the land and should stop discrediting the local government.
However, Sabest refuted the council’s claim, insisting that multiple past administrations, including that of former Governor Willie Obiano, had signed and approved his documents.
“This land does not belong to the government. I have my original documents, duly signed and stamped. The truth will come out,” he said.
Call for Governor’s Intervention
Sabest is now urging Governor Soludo to intervene and ensure that justice is done. He is demanding that his land be returned to him and calling on concerned individuals to speak out against what he described as an abuse of power by the local government chairman.
As tensions rise over the dispute, residents and traders affected by the demolition are left counting their losses, waiting to see if the state government will take action on the matter.