Gov Uzodinma’s father-in-law, Humphrey Ikeaka accused of land grabbing

…..Akpelu Family, Community Youths Accuse Him of Using Strange Woman to Claim Supreme Court-Judged Ancestral Land

…“Governor Uzodimma swore never to be remembered for land grabbing,” Indigenes lament

A growing scandal involving the attempted expropriation of a large expanse of land in Nkarahia Community, Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, has taken a disturbing new dimension, as Governor Hope Uzodimma’s father-in-law, Chief Humphrey Ikeaka, has been accused of masterminding the illegal confiscation of a 262-hectare family estate belonging to the Akpelu Family.

The land in question, located within the Ogburuzo Ogwu Palm Plantation in Nkarahia, has been the subject of a final and binding Supreme Court judgment in favour of the Akpelu Family (Suit No. SC/250/2005, delivered December 13, 2013). Despite this, a well-coordinated campaign, allegedly led by Chief Ikeaka and facilitated through the state’s Ministry of Lands, has been underway to forcibly take possession of the land, using what family members call deception, impersonation, and outright fraud.

At the centre of this unfolding drama is a contradiction that has triggered outrage across the community: while Governor Uzodimma has repeatedly distanced his administration and pristine image from the controversial land acquisitions that ruined past governments, his own father-in-law is now alleged to be at the heart of what many describe as a “reckless and greedy land-grab in Nkarahia.”

Speaking on behalf of the Akpelu family, Chinedu and Jonathan Akpelu condemned the plot, describing it as not only illegal but designed to tarnish the legacy of a Governor who has carefully built an image of integrity and respect for property rights.

“Governor Uzodimma made a solemn vow never to be remembered for land grabbing, which was the same plague that destroyed former Governor Rochas Okorocha’s government,” Chinedu Akpelu said. “The Governor has kept that vow. He has not tampered with anybody’s land or confiscated any private property. That is why Imo people trust and love him. It is now heartbreaking that his own father-in-law wants to ruin that legacy.”

In a move that has further inflamed tensions, the Akpelu Family revealed that Chief Humphrey Ikeaka allegedly procured a lady of questionable character to pose as the last wife of the late Matthew Akpelu, patriarch of the family, in order to fraudulently claim ownership and authority to transfer the estate to himself.

“This woman is a total stranger to the family,” Jonathan Akpelu explained. “She was never married to our father. She was never known to us while he was alive. Yet today, she is being paraded by Ikeaka as our father’s last wife, the one who has now ‘transferred’ the entire estate to him.”

Community elders have described the act as not only fraudulent but a direct violation of Igbo customary inheritance law, which places the first son at the centre of land-related matters following a father’s death. The family maintains that Matthew Akpelu had only one wife, and that their household is united in defending the family’s heritage against what they call “a shameful and disgraceful attempt at theft.”

The Ohaji-Egbema Youth Movement (OEYM), through its secretary, Chiemeka Ozara, has issued a stern warning to Chief Humphrey Ikeaka, demanding that he withdraw all claims to the land and cease actions that threaten the peace and security of Nkarahia.

“We are fully aware that Governor Uzodimma, a man of honour and integrity, has not authorized this criminal land grab,” the youth group said in a statement. “Chief Ikeaka is acting alone, using his proximity to power to intimidate the rightful owners of this land. Let it be known that we will hold him personally responsible for any breakdown of law and order in this community.”

The OEYM also emphasized that they will not tolerate any further desecration of Nkarahia’s customs and land rights, especially by external actors hiding behind political connections.

The Akpelu Family had earlier submitted a detailed petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, the Imo State Commissioner for Lands, accusing him of illegally publishing public notices in March and June 2025 purporting to announce a state acquisition of the land. The family alleges that these publications were false, unauthorized by the Executive Council, and unbacked by any gazette, appropriation, or compensation plan.

Insiders in the Imo State Government have reportedly disassociated the Governor and Government from the acquisition, confirming that there is no such policy or approved land programme affecting the area.

Legal experts warn that the attempt to override a Supreme Court judgment not only violates the Constitution of Nigeria (Section 287), but also threatens to plunge the state into a legal crisis. Traditional authorities in Ohaji-Egbema have also weighed in, lamenting what they described as a “disrespect for ancestral heritage and lawful ownership.”

“This is not just about land,” one community elder said. “This is about legacy, tradition, and justice. If a Supreme Court judgment can be ignored by those close to power, then nobody is safe.”

Political analysts are beginning to weigh the long-term implications for Governor Uzodimma, who is widely admired for avoiding the kind of corrupt land deals that stained previous administrations. Many see this situation as a defining moment for the Governor to separate himself publicly from the controversial actions of his in-law and reaffirm his commitment to justice and constitutionalism.

“Uzodimma’s legacy is on the line,” a commentator in Owerri noted. “The Governor must act quickly and decisively to distance himself from this scandal. The people believe in his leadership, and they must see that he does not condone impunity, whether it comes from political allies or family members.”

As tension mounts in Nkarahia and all eyes turn to the state capital, the Akpelu Family says it will continue to pursue every legal and civil route to defend its land, restore its dignity, and ensure that the law remains supreme in Imo State.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook