More than 300 property owners associated with Parkview Estates in the Anwai area of Asaba have appealed to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene in a land dispute following the demolition of buildings they say were lawfully developed.
The residents allege that a state task force demolished their properties on May 14, 2024, while litigation involving land claimed by Dennis Osadebay University was pending. They also contend that an injunction restrained action on the land at the time. Those assertions were presented by the affected owners and have not been independently verified in the supplied report.
Parkview Estates Chairman Charles Ogbobe described the demolitions as financially and emotionally devastating, saying homes and other investments were lost. He claimed that between 12 and 13 affected people had subsequently died, but the report does not establish medical or other evidence linking those deaths to the demolition exercise.
Ogbobe said the residents acquired the land from the Isieke community and relied on documents supporting the community’s ownership. He traced the dispute to competing claims involving a historical lease and the state owned university. The accounts supplied by residents contain differing dates for the expiry of the relevant lease, another matter that requires documentary clarification.
Vice Chairman Samuel Onuwa David alleged that the demolition took place before a seven day notice expired. He said he lost a school, a home and buildings belonging to relatives, and appealed for compensation and the return of the disputed land.
Other residents said they obtained surveys, certificates or building approvals before constructing their properties. Their statements raise questions about how title verification, planning approvals and enforcement actions were handled.
The residents said the High Court had directed parties to produce survey plans showing the boundaries of the disputed land. The position of the university, state task force and Delta State Government was not included in the supplied account.
The dispute calls for examination of the land records, court orders, approvals and demolition notices, together with an opportunity for all parties to respond. The residents are asking the governor to support a lawful resolution and consider remedies for any proven wrongdoing.
