The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, King Prof. Leslie Eke, has declared zero tolerance for illegal land grabbing, fraudulent land transactions and unlawful demolition of buildings and destruction of farmlands in the kingdom.
The monarch warned individuals and groups involved in such activities to desist immediately or face prosecution in accordance with the law.
Eke, also known as Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Eze Gbakagbaka, expressed concern over reported cases of land grabbing, destruction of ancestral properties and displacement of residents from their homes and farmlands by suspected land speculators.
He described the activities as threats to the ancestral heritage, economic livelihoods, security and peaceful coexistence of the people of Evo Kingdom.
“Evo Kingdom is not a no-man’s land, and we will not surrender our ancestral heritage to land grabbers, fraudulent speculators or their willing collaborators,” the monarch declared through the Palace.
He stressed that ancestral lands must be protected to preserve the identity, history and collective heritage of the kingdom, warning that no individual or group should claim ownership of, sell or develop land without establishing a legitimate legal basis.
The Palace also urged prospective land buyers, property developers and investors to conduct due diligence, verify land titles and ensure that all transactions comply with applicable laws and recognised landholding procedures.
The monarch called on the Nigeria Police Force, relevant security agencies, land administration authorities and prosecutorial institutions to investigate reported cases of illegal land grabbing, identify those responsible and prosecute anyone found culpable.
He further urged community leaders, landholding families and residents to cooperate with lawful authorities by reporting suspicious land transactions, unlawful encroachments, threats and property destruction.
While reaffirming his commitment to peace and peaceful dispute resolution, Eke maintained that the protection of the kingdom’s ancestral heritage must not be compromised for personal gain.
The Palace reiterated its position that ancestral lands across Evo Kingdom must be respected, legitimate property rights protected and perpetrators of illegal land grabbing held accountable under the law.
It called on residents, landowners, investors and prospective developers to conduct land-related transactions transparently and responsibly, assuring that the kingdom would continue to defend the lawful rights of its people through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
