From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Obeagu Awkunanaw community in Enugu South Local Government Area has raised alarm over what it described as the illegal acquisition of its ancestral land by Private Estates International West Africa Ltd. (PEIWA), developers of the Enugu Lifestyle and Golf City (ELGC) project.
In a statement responding to a publication issued by PEIWA on July 21, 2025, the community accused the company of forceful takeover and fraudulent claims.
The statement reads, “We, the undersigned, for ourselves and on behalf of the entire people of Obeagu Awkunanaw community, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, do issue this public notice in reaction to a publication dated 21st July, 2025, made by Private Estates International West Africa (PEIWA), and signed by the Management of Private Estates International West Africa Ltd. (PEIWA).
“We have become aware of this notice circulating on social media, emanating from the Management of PEIWA Ltd., who claim to be the sole legal and beneficial owner of 1,097 hectares of our ancestral land, which was fraudulently and dishonestly renamed Enugu Lifestyle and Golf City (ELGC). This includes their undignified threat and warning to buyers and potential investors against purchasing land or having any dealings with our people or those who derive title from us.
“We reiterate the contents of our earlier public notice where we demonstrated our ownership by inheritance of all the parcels of land known as Agbana, Ugwuorie, Onususu, Akparata, Isi Oke, Ofia Ogonogo, Ofia Aru, Ururo, Orji, Ngene Uchoo, Ngene Ogwe, Iduru, and Ihu Odeje, among others.”
Accusing the company of profiteering, the statement added: “In the guise of development, which they claimed was their mission, all that PEIWA did was to parcellate our lands and, in the most egregious manner, begin to sell them. While we groan in pain and sorrow, they selfishly smiled to the bank and have been living large on the proceeds of these sales. No benefit was conferred on us, nor did any commensurate benefit accrue to the Enugu State Government in the form of revenue or statutory payments.”
The leaders vowed to recover the land using lawful means, saying, “Being our prized ancestral lands, and in protest of this provocative land heist by PEIWA, we have continued to follow due process to recover our land, believing that justice, equity, and good conscience will prevail above all their chicanery.
“Contrary to the lies peddled by PEIWA in their write-up, please NOTE that the companies known as Dignified Garden Estate Ltd., Star Residence Estate, and Consistent Experts Limited are known to the community and its leadership as legitimate and bona fide investors. They enjoy, and will continue to enjoy, our unflinching support and protection against any intimidation, harassment, or malicious actions by PEIWA, which company has consistently presented itself as our community’s enemy.”
When contacted, PEIWA’s Managing Director, Kingsley Eze, said he would not join issues with the community but referred inquiries to the Enugu State Ministry of Lands.