Afikpo Traditional Ruling Council Bans Sale of Ancestral Lands, Family Compounds
From Omaka OKOH, Abakaliki
In exercise of its cultural and traditional authority, the Essa Traditional Ruling Council of Afikpo (Ehugbo), Ebonyi State has banned the sale of land and family compounds.
The Traditional Ruling Council expressed worry at way and manners youths from component communities and villages that comprised Ehugbo have broken age-long sacred values by selling land markedly owned by the earlier mentioned title holders without minding the consequences.
In a communique issued after the Essa Traditional Ruling Council meeting of Ehugbo held at Okpoota Cultural Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025, the Council said it is trite to state that land in Ehugbo is an issue of consanguinity, meaning matrilineal families hold land title (Ali Ikwu) and also patrilineal (Ali Umudi).
The Communique reads in part: "To forestall further occurrence, the Essa Traditional Ruling Council of Ehugbo hereby issues the following directives regarding the sale and transfer of ancestral family compounds within Ehugbo;
_ON PROHIBITION OF SALE OF ANCESTRAL FAMILY COMPOUND (OKPU ULO)_
"Essa Traditional Ruling Council observed with dismay the ugly development of selling ancestral family compounds and reiterated that the sale of ancestral family compounds is strictly prohibited under normal circumstances. The Essa Traditional Ruling Council reminds the seller, the buyer and even the general public that these compounds are of significant cultural, historical, and spiritual importance and must be preserved for future generations.
"However, in exceptional circumstances where a sale is unavoidable, the buyer must originate from the same village as the seller to ensure that ancestral heritage and community bonds are preserved. Additionally, the sale process must uphold traditional values and respect the cultural integrity of the community."
_ON MANDATORY INVOLVEMENT OF THE ESSA TRADITIONAL RULING COUNCIL IN THE SALE OF LAND IN EHUGBO_
"The Essa Traditional Ruling Council hereby bans the sale of lands in Ehugbo. In the event of unavoidable circumstances, the Essa Traditional Ruling Council must be fully involved in every stage of the sale process.
"The involvement of the Essa Traditional Ruling Council represented by the Spokesman and Secretary of the Council will ensure that the land in question is free from disputes or contentious claims.
"Also, it will ensure that all relevant traditional rites, if applicable, are duly observed.
Any sale conducted outside these stipulated guidelines will be deemed null and void by the Council.
"Parties involved in the violation of this directive will face traditional sanctions as deemed appropriate by the Council."
_ON REGULATION OF LEGAL PRACTITIONERS_
The Council said: "While not in any way attempting to regulate legal practice in Ehugbo, the Essa Traditional Ruling Council further beg legal practitioners not to encroach in a matter brought before the Essa Traditional Ruling Council, giving the overreaching development of the former even in matter being adjudicated by the latter.
"The Essa Traditional Ruling Council further beg legal practitioners involved not to usurp the traditional authority of the Essa Traditional Ruling Council.
"The Council maintains its authority in adjudicating and overseeing matters concerning ancestral lands and compounds and other matters thereto.
"The Essa Traditional Council insists that any legal processes must align with the rulings and decisions of the Essa Traditional Ruling Council to prevent the erosion of traditional practices.
"The Essa Traditional Ruling Council further wish to bring to the notice of lawyers that matters brought before the Council must be treated, when the concerned parties are not satisfied with the judgment of the Essa Traditional Ruling Council, further redress can then be sought from the Court of Law.
"The Essa Traditional Ruling Council resolved to conclude any matter brought before it leaving the concerned to seek further redress in the event of not being satisfied, given that the situation where matters awaiting judgment are hastily taken to Court by lawyers where justice is said to be easily purchased. The Council vowed zero tolerance.
"This communiqué is issued to safeguard the cultural heritage, promote unity, and prevent conflicts related to land and ancestral compounds within Ali Ehugbo.
The communique was signed by Ichie Isu Maurice Ogbonnia (Chairman), Essa Otu Ibrahim Uro (Secretary), Ichie Omeri Nwachi (Nkpoghoro), Ichie Charles Ogbonnia Uga (Ugwuegu), Ezinna Samuel Egwu Inya(Ohaisu), Ichie Anthony Oko Ewa (Itim) and Ichie Emmanuel Elem Obiahu (Ozizza) on behalf of Essa Traditional Ruling Council.
