The Paramount Ruler of Woji Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, HRH Eze Amb. Dr Emeka Ihunwo, has denied allegations of land grabbing and illegal sale of community lands levelled against him by Eze Leslie Eke.
Ihunwo described the allegations as baseless, unfounded and misleading, alleging that they were motivated by jealousy, hatred and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The monarch stated this in response to a press conference reportedly organised by Eze Leslie Eke at his palace on November 2, 2026. The Woji monarch maintained that he had never engaged in, participated in, or facilitated land grabbing or the illegal sale of community lands.
He also defended the legitimacy of his traditional position, insisting that he was unanimously recognised and installed as Eze Woji by the community’s legitimate and recognised Owhor holders in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality and Woji Community.
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According to him, he has spent more than 10 years on the throne as Paramount Ruler and Nye-Nwe Eli of Woji Community without any challenge to the legitimacy of his position or formal complaints from members of the community over his conduct.
Questioning the timing of the allegations, Ihunwo wondered why Eke had waited for 13 years before accusing him of selling community lands.
“If I may ask Leslie Frank Eke, for 13 years, it is now he woke from slumber to accuse me, Eze Emeka Ihunwo, of selling Woji lands. Where was he all these years?” he queried.
On the allegation of encroachment on a burial or sacred ground, the monarch challenged Eke to substantiate the claim with evidence.
He, however, clarified that if the disputed land being referred to was Ohia-Gbalajar, the matter had already been decided in court in his favour against the Okujiagu people, although an appeal had reportedly been filed.
Ihunwo further dismissed the allegation that he was parading himself as a self-acclaimed chief, reiterating that his installation followed the established traditional procedures and customs of the community.
Describing the November 2 press conference as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation, the monarch challenged Eke to provide verifiable evidence to support his allegations.
He urged the people of Woji Community to remain calm, assuring them of his continued commitment to peace, unity, and peaceful coexistence among residents.
