By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Onitsha South Local Government Area has concluded plans to appeal a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Awka, which ordered it to pay N5 million in damages to Lake Petroleum over the demolition of its property in 2024.
The council had carried out the demolition of what it described as illegal structures in the area, in line with Anambra State laws.
Following the demolition, Lake Petroleum instituted legal action for the enforcement of its fundamental human rights. The court ruled in favour of the company and also restrained the council from making further use of the disputed land.
Speaking to reporters, the Secretary of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr. Paul Onuachalla, stated:
“The property in question is known as Ndende Market and Ose-Nkwu Market, which are old local markets originally owned by the Onitsha Local Government Area and later by Onitsha South Local Government Area. We do not understand how Lake Petroleum came to lay claim to the land, and that is what we are challenging.”
He further explained:
“We are appealing the judgment on the grounds that the applicant sought enforcement of fundamental human rights, which is not applicable to the issues in dispute.”
Onuachalla added that the core issue is the ownership of the land:
“The matter in contention is the title to the land, which Lake Petroleum is presenting. We are challenging the authenticity of the documents they have submitted, and that forms part of the grounds of our appeal.”
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s restraining order:
“We are not satisfied with the order restraining access to the land, especially as the issue of title was not addressed by the court.”
According to him, the council’s legal team has applied for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment and will soon proceed with the appeal.
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