Princess Stella Njemanze-Neboh, a prominent member of the Njemanze dynasty in Owerri Municipal Council, has called on the Imo State government, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, to comply with a recent court ruling regarding Area K land. The court decision favored the Njemanze family, who have faced ongoing encroachments on their property by alleged government officials.

The land in question was awarded to the Njemanze family through a ruling by the State High Court, presided over by Justice K A. Ojiako, in a case that has been ongoing since 1999. Princess Njemanze-Neboh expressed her frustration over the government's disregard for the court's decision, stating that the family has a legitimate claim to the land based on historical agreements with the Umuguma community.

In her statement, she recounted how the Njemanze family acquired Area K as compensation for the death of her uncle, emphasizing that the land was never intended for permanent ownership by others. "We challenge anyone that claims to own a piece of property at Area K to rise up and tell us how their mother or grandmother convinced Umuguma to give her their piece of land," she asserted.

The princess explained that over the years, women from Amawom village, who were initially allowed to cultivate the land, mistakenly began to claim ownership, passing this belief down to future generations. Despite this, she indicated that the Njemanze family is willing to share the land with the Amawom people, acknowledging their historical ties and the risks they took to protect the land from former Governor Rochas Okorocha's attempts to seize it.

Princess Njemanze-Neboh lamented that after successfully defending their rights against Okorocha, the family now finds itself in a similar battle with the current administration. She criticized the government's actions as unfair and described the ongoing encroachment as a form of bullying against a community that lacks the resources to defend itself.

The princess also highlighted her family's previous support for Governor Uzodinma during his election campaign, noting that they had campaigned vigorously for his re-election. "You passed my test for second term. So, I thought you would continue the good work from your first term," she said, expressing disappointment at the current situation.

She urged the governor to reconsider his approach, especially with elections approaching, and to recognize the importance of compensating landowners in Owerri for the land taken for state development. "Imo State government has taken every land we have without compensation while reminding us that Owerri being the capital needed all those lands to beautify our State," she noted.

The princess concluded by reaffirming the Njemanze family's readiness to defend their rights, stating that they are prepared to take action against any attempts to infringe upon their property. She emphasized the need for unity among the people of Owerre, calling for collective action against any unjust encroachments on their heritage and land.