By Douglas Princemola
The Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), under the stewardship of General Manager Hon. Frank Nkem Nzewodu, finds itself under intense scrutiny and the looming specter of legal ramifications following the unauthorized demolition of “Aku Mbieri Plaza,” a structure comprising nine locked-up shops erected in 1999 by Sir Udoka Uzoamaka of Umudagu Mbieri.
At the heart of this contentious issue lies the razed property, situated on Udoka’s plot of land, and the swirling allegations that Engr. Silas Ugorji, a United States resident, purportedly summoned OCDA’s Operational Team to dismantle Udoka’s structure, citing its alleged lack of OCDA approval. This incident unfolded shortly after Ugorji’s departure from the community, further inflaming tensions.
The demolition on March 7th, 2024, witnessed a palpable escalation in tensions, with enraged local youths refraining from retaliating despite purported encouragement from armed youths from Ohaji, reportedly contracted by OCDA. This perceived illegality served to intensify the collective outrage among the community members.
The ownership of the demolished edifice is ensnared in a protracted legal battle between Udoka and Ugorji, with ongoing court proceedings. Udoka fervently asserts his rightful ownership of the land and the structure erected in 1999, notwithstanding OCDA’s steadfast decision to proceed with the demolition. Udoka now seeks damages amounting to ₦35 million, underscoring the profound financial repercussions endured.
Expressing profound dissatisfaction, Udoka levied accusations against OCDA and Ugorji for flagrantly flouting court orders and vehemently called upon Governor Sen. Hope Uzodimma to intercede. He alleges that Ugorji brazenly bribed GM Nzewodu with ₦5 million to orchestrate the demolition, laying bare the egregious ethical transgressions involved.
Eyewitness accounts from Aku Mbieri Plaza unveil the participation of unlawfully armed individuals who pillaged shops during the demolition process. Hon. Olu Chizoba Ofurum, the Chief Security Officer of the area, alongside affected shop owners such as Mrs. Chisom Iwuoha and Mr. Calistus Chibuike Jerry, underscored the substantial financial losses incurred, tallying approximately ₦750,000 and ₦20 million, respectively.
Despite concerted efforts to solicit a response from GM Nzewodu, he remained conspicuously unresponsive. Nonetheless, his Personal Assistant, Comr. Chima Obiwuru, affirms and validates OCDA’s involvement in the demolition, maintaining that the structure lacked requisite building permits and approvals.
In staunch opposition, the President General of Umudagu Town Union Government, Comr. Prince Ehirim, unequivocally condemns OCDA’s actions, emphatically stressing the imperative for meticulous investigation and unwavering adherence to due process before any demolition is sanctioned.
In the wake of the demolition’s aftermath, the aggrieved victims beseech Governor Hope Uzodimma for intervention and redress, earnestly seeking rectification for the egregious injustice perpetuated by OCDA’s precipitous and contentious actions.
