…Salutes his legacies, courage, and patriotism

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, at the weekend, joined the management and board of Vanguard Media Limited, publishers of Vanguard Newspapers, in honouring elder statesman and former Second Republic governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, describing him as a man who stood out in service to his people.

Mbah recalled that decades after his time as governor, Nwobodo’s legacies still loomed large across the present Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States.

The governor spoke at the 2025 Vanguard Personality of the Year Award ceremony in Lagos, where the octogenarian received the Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award.

Gov Mbah, Nwobodo and his wife, Patricia

“This is a fitting tribute to your life of service to the nation and humanity in various capacities, as well as your towering legacies that have continued to stand the test of time,” he said.

Presenting the award to Nwobodo on behalf of Vanguard Media Limited, Mbah added, “First, I would like to thank the management and board of Vanguard for this recognition and for allowing me the privilege to present this award to our selfless elder statesman.”

He noted the former governor’s exploits as Chairman of Rangers International, as well as Minister of Youth and Sports, during which Nigeria excelled at the Olympics and the African Cup of Nations (AFCON ’94) in Tunisia.

“Jim, as we fondly call him, represents a whole lot for us. As governor, at just 39, he left bold legacies virtually across what we refer to today as the South East. He was the governor of three states – Anambra State, Enugu State, and part of Ebonyi State.

“As a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, he epitomised courage and patriotism.

“So, it is with a deep sense of pride and profound honour that I present this Lifetime Achievement Award to a distinguished son of Enugu State and a patriotic Nigerian.

“On behalf of my family, the Government, and the good people of Enugu State, I convey our warm congratulations to you,” Mbah concluded.

Wife of the elder statesman, Dr. Patricia Nwobodo, and other prominent Nigerians stood by the former governor as he received the award.

Court documents filed before the Enugu State High Court have revealed how a former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, and his wife, Dr. Patricia Nwobodo, allegedly used multiple companies to sell over N235 million property to an investor, Dr. Basil Kenechukwu Ogbuanu in Enugu.

The documents, obtained by our correspondent, showed that the dispute over the failed land deal is the subject of two separate suits before the court.

In Suit No. F/328/2016, filed by Chukwudi Obieze (SAN), Ogbuanu is the plaintiff, while Chief Nwobodo, his wife, Linkana Hotels Limited, Millennium Construction & Estate Developers Ltd, Moss Island Limited, and several individuals are listed as 1st to 9th defendants.

However, in a separate suit, No. E/244/2025, filed by C.M. Agbo Esq., Mrs. Patricia Nwobodo and Senator Jim Nwobodo are the plaintiffs, while Dr. Ogbuanu is the sole Defendant. In the suit the plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that there was no valid or enforceable sale of any portion of their estate to Ogbuanu.

They also asked the court to compel Ogbuanu to accept refund of  the purchase money and vacate the land, insisting that his presence on the property constituted trespass.

However, Ogbuanu, a Lagos-based businessman, and Chief Executive Officer of Energy FM radio based in Enugu, in his statement of claim, avowed that he began the transaction or purchase of the landed property in 2021 after being introduced to plots of land at Independence Layout, Enugu.

According to him, the land was initially marketed through Millennium Construction & Estate Developers Ltd, which issued offer letters and received payments.

The document stated, “The plots are of different sizes… the one above 1000 sqm was ₦85 million.”
After making payment, the plaintiff (Ogbuanu) said he was issued allocation papers and receipts for the plots.

However, subsequent transactions were allegedly carried out through another firm, Linkana Hotels Limited, in which the Nwobodos were said to have interests as shareholders and directors.

The plaintiff later discovered during a search at the Ministry of Lands that the property had already been transferred to another company, Moss Island Limited.

A source familiar with the case told our Correspondent on Friday that, “When we went for search in the land ministry, we found out that the entire estate had been transferred to Moss Island in 2022.”

The source added that despite this transfer, additional plots were sold using Linkana Hotels Limited.

“So all the sales done in the name of Linkana had no authority because the property belonged to another company,” the source alleged.

Payments And Ownership Claims

The court filings showed that Ogbuanu paid over ₦235m for multiple plots, including R/18, R/19, R/20, R/21 and R/22.

The document stated, “The plaintiff paid the sum of ₦235,000,000 in respect of the plots.”
He also claimed that he was issued powers of attorney and receipts confirming the transactions.

The plaintiff maintained that he acted in good faith and relied on documents provided by the defendants.

Dispute And Counterclaims

The dispute intensified when the Nwobodos filed Suit No. E/244/2025, denying the validity of the transactions.

Part of their claim reads, “A declaration that there is no valid or enforceable sale, assignment or transfer of any portion of the plaintiffs’ estate to the defendant.”

They also sought an order compelling Ogbuanu to collect his money and vacate the land, alongside claims for damages.

A source close to the matter criticised the move, saying, “After collecting money through different companies, they are now saying the buyer has no legal rights.”

Arrest And Criminal Charges

The matter later escalated into a criminal case following a complaint allegedly made by Mrs. Nwobodo.

According to the documents, Ogbuanu and his workers were arrested and arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Enugu in Charge No. MES/22C/2026.

“The officers whisked the plaintiff’s workers away,” the document stated.

The plaintiff was also arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and charged alongside his workers.

The Advocate had on April 23, 2026 reported that the Magistrate Court struck out the four count charges against Ogbuanu and his workers on April 15.

The court also awarded N1 million in costs against Mrs. Patricia Nwobodo, the wife of a former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, following her repeated failure to appear in court to lead evidence in the case.

Presiding Magistrate, His Worship D.K. Ekoh, delivered the ruling at the Enugu South Magisterial District, citing a lack of diligent prosecution.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants were alleged to have conspired on January 16, 2026, at Patin-Son Estate, Independence Layout, Enugu, to unlawfully confine and detain Mrs. Nwobodo and a police officer, Constable Ugwu Emmanuel, against their will.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendants assaulted Constable Ugwu by beating him all over his body.

However, during the proceedings on April 15, 2026, the police prosecutor, B.C. Nnadozie, admitted that he had not seen the complainants since the matter started.

Nnadozie informed the court that he could not “manufacture oath” or serve witness statements on the defense as he had no contact with the nominal complainants.

Delivering his ruling, Magistrate Ekoh lambasted the conduct of the complainants, describing it as a clear indication of their lack of desire to prosecute the matter.

He said, “A complainant whose complaint was investigated and to her knowledge is aware of the charge proffered against the defendants decides to stay in his luxury home without prosecuting his complaint, should as well pay damages to the person(s) she wrongfully complained against.”

Alleged Demolition Of Property

The plaintiff (Ogbuanu) further alleged that his buildings on the land were demolished after he had obtained necessary approvals and commenced development.

He told the court that he secured building permits and paid all required fees before starting construction.

But in January 2026, the situation changed. “The second defendant (Patricia Nwobodo) visited the site and (allegedly) caused a scene,” the document stated.

Following the incident, the plaintiff and his workers were arrested.
In February 2026, Ogbuanu  alleged that his buildings were pulled down.

“It came to the knowledge of the plaintiff’s sister that the buildings had been demolished,” the filing read.

The destruction allegedly continued in March, with claims that police officers were present during the exercise.

“The defendants brought police officers and earthmoving equipment to continue the demolition,” he alleged. He also claimed that building materials worth millions of naira were carted away from the site.

Claims For Damages

Ogbuanu is seeking compensation for the alleged losses.
The court documents showed that he is demanding among others:

“Over ₦820m as special damages for destroyed property and materials. ₦5bn as general damages for emotional and psychological distress.”

On their part, the Nwobodos are seeking damages running into billions of naira, including: “₦20m for medical expenses. ₦1bn as general and aggravated damages.”

Meanwhile, Nwobodo has dismissed the claims, stating that the dispute stems from unauthorized building activities and a breach of estate regulations by the cleric.

According to the former governor, who spoke with newsmen, the situation escalated on January 16, 2026, when his wife visited the estate with a landscape architect and a police orderly for a routine inspection.

Nwobodo alleged that the team was prevented from leaving the premises after the estate gates were locked.

“My wife and the group were subjected to a tense situation. The police officer accompanying them was physically assaulted and his uniform was torn,” Nwobodo stated.

He added that a police intervention was eventually required to rescue the group and secure the premises.

Nwobodo disclosed that following the confrontation at the estate, Ogbuanu was apprehended by police operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport while attempting to travel to Lagos.

The cleric was subsequently taken to the Independence Layout Police Station and later arraigned in court over allegations including illegal construction and property-related offences.

Nwobodo maintained that Ogbuanu had proceeded with building activities despite being informed that titles were undergoing certification due to changes in government land use regulations. He noted that he had even offered the pastor a refund, which was declined.

The former governor expressed disappointment over the allegations leveled against his wife, insisting she had acted in good faith to resolve the estate’s management issues.

“I am at a loss as to why Ogbuanu would implicate my wife. She has been supportive, yet he has repaid her by falsely accusing her of involvement in the demolition,” he said.

Nwobodo further alleged that investigations revealed the cleric had ignored several government directives to halt unauthorized activities within the estate, causing concern among other residents.

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for hearing for both suits, as investors and property developers watch for to see the outcome of the cases.

No fewer than 30 traditional rulers across the southern area of Kwara State have fled their palaces following a sustained wave of kidnappings, killings and violent attacks, it has been learnt.

Our correspondents gathered from two credible community leaders that the affected monarchs were seeking refuge in urban centres, including Ilorin, Osogbo, Offa, and Lagos.

Findings show that some of the affected traditional rulers are from Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oreke Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo, and Igbo Agbon communities.

While some have been away from their domains for months, others have been out for nearly a year.

Their displacement, triggered by repeated attacks by armed groups, has created a leadership vacuum in their communities.

A resident of Omugo community, Wale Olasunkanmi, said his traditional ruler, known locally as Eesa, fled due to fear of abduction.

He said, “In the past, our traditional rulers were always around. They lived among us and provided leadership during crises. But now, they don’t stay here anymore. They only come occasionally for meetings or special occasions and leave immediately.

“When attacks became frequent, it was no longer safe for them to remain in the palace. Even ordinary residents are afraid, so you can imagine what it means for a king who is always a target.”

Olasunkanmi recalled that a major attack on the community in March 2026 marked a turning point.

“After the bandits attacked the church on March 22 and abducted about eight people, many families started leaving. The fear was too much. People abandoned their homes overnight,” he said.

He added that while there had been a slight improvement in security in recent weeks, the absence of traditional rulers continued to affect coordination and decision-making.

“Even as some people are trying to return, there is no strong leadership on the ground. That makes it difficult to rebuild confidence,” he stated.

According to him, Omugo is part of the larger Oro-Ago community, which comprises about 15 towns, including Ajegunle, Iragbon, Ago, Oke Ayin, Oyate, and Oke Daba, all of which have experienced varying degrees of attacks.

Further findings by Saturday PUNCH showed that Oreke and Oreke Oke-Igbo communities have been largely deserted since June 2025 following repeated bandit incursions.

The situation escalated after an attack on a marble mining site near Oreke-Okeigbo on June 4, 2025, where two police officers, Assistant Superintendent Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah, were killed.

A palace worker, Samuel Afolayan, said the attacks marked the beginning of mass displacement.

“Initially, they were just stealing food and livestock. But later, they started kidnapping and killing people. That was when everyone began to leave.

“As I speak to you, I have not been to Oreke since June last year. The king is not there, the palace is empty, and the entire community is deserted. Even neighbouring villages along that axis have been abandoned,” he stated.

Afolayan described the area as “completely isolated,” adding that basic social and economic activities had collapsed.

Similarly, the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, has not returned to his domain since he was abducted alongside his son on New Year’s Eve.

Gunmen invaded his residence in December 2025 and kidnapped the monarch and his son, who is a corps member.

While the son was released after about 21 days, the monarch regained his freedom after a ransom reportedly exceeding N30m was paid.

A palace source said the monarch was still undergoing treatment.

“Kabiyesi went through a very traumatic experience. He spent almost a month in captivity under harsh conditions. Given his age, it affected him seriously,” the source said.

“Since his release, he has been receiving medical attention. Doctors advised that he should rest and avoid stressful situations. That is why he has not returned to the community.”

Across the affected communities, the impact of the attacks has been devastating.

It was gathered that farms had been abandoned, schools shut down, and markets rendered inactive as residents fled to safer locations.

The latest gunmen attack occurred in Olayinka community in Ifelodun LGA, where armed men stormed the palace of the monarch, Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda, in the early hours of Saturday and abducted him alongside his wife and another resident.

Police authorities later confirmed the arrest of 42 suspected illegal miners in connection with the abduction, while sources disclosed that the kidnappers demanded about N400m ransom.

A resident, who identified himself simply as Tunde, recounted the attack.

“It was like a war scene,” he said.

“They came with guns and started shooting. People were running in different directions. Before we knew what was happening, Kabiyesi had been taken.”

Tunde added that the attackers appeared to have prior knowledge of activities in the palace.

“Earlier that day, some miners came to pay royalties to the king. So, when the attackers came at night, they demanded the money. Kabiyesi gave it to them, but they still took him away. After that incident, everyone fled. Nobody wants to stay there again,” he said.

Traditional rulers killed by gunmen

Beyond Olayinka community, a disturbing pattern has emerged across Kwara South, with traditional rulers increasingly becoming targets.

In September 2025, the Baale of Ogbayo in Oke-Ode was killed in his palace after gunmen invaded the community at dawn.

Earlier, in February 2024, the Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti, Oba Olusegun Aremu-Cole, was killed in his palace, while his wife and another person were abducted.

Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded N100m, which was later reduced to N40m.

In November 2025, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, Oba Kamilu Salami, was abducted on his farm and released after about 25 days in captivity following the payment of ransom.

According to findings, ransom demands in recent cases have ranged between N40m and N400m.

A source involved in one of the negotiations said, “They usually start with outrageous figures, sometimes over N100m. After negotiations, it may come down, but it is still a huge burden.

“In many cases, families have to sell properties or borrow money to secure the release of their loved ones.”

‘Development disturbing’

The Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch in Kwara South, Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, said the signs of mass displacement were long ignored.

“There was a time we raised the alarm that communities were being deserted, but people did not take it seriously. The development is really troubling and disturbing” he said.

“Today, more than 28 communities with traditional rulers in Ifelodun have been abandoned. Places like Olayinka, Oro-Ago, Omugo, Ahun, Oke-Oyan, Owa-Kajola, Owa-Onire, and Oba have become ghost towns. Farms are abandoned, schools shut, markets dead. The reality we warned about has become undeniable,” he stated.

Residents said the crisis had severely disrupted agriculture and worsened food insecurity.

A trader from Oro-Ago, Bose Adeyemi, said she had relocated to Ilorin.

“I am a yam seller, but I cannot go back home. Nobody wants to farm anymore because it is too dangerous,” she said.

A retired civil servant, Janet Adebisi, said she had abandoned her investments.

“I used my gratuity to start farming, but I cannot even visit the farm now. My life is more important than any investment,” she said.

Traditional council under scrutiny

The wave of attacks has put the Kwara State Traditional Council under scrutiny, with many questioning its response to the crisis.

While sources within the council confirmed that meetings had been held with government officials and security agencies, critics say the response has not been visible enough.

A community leader in Ekiti LGA, Adebayo Ojo, said, “Our royal fathers must speak with one voice. People expect leadership at a time like this.”

However, a palace source who did not want to be named said engagements were ongoing behind the scenes.

“These issues are being discussed. The traditional rulers are engaging government and security agencies, but not everything can be made public,” the source said.

The crisis has also sparked debate over the role of traditional and spiritual methods in safeguarding communities.

A socio-political advocate in Kwara State, Abdul-Rahoof Bello-Labelabe, raised concerns over what he described as the worsening security situation in Kwara South.

He warned that residents were increasingly vulnerable to attacks and abductions across several communities.

Bello-Labelabe, who identified himself as the Advocate of Igbomina Liberty and Northern Yoruba Nationality, said there had been no meaningful improvement in security, particularly in Ifelodun LGA.

He disclosed that a wave of kidnappings recorded between Wednesday and Thursday affected multiple communities, leaving scores of residents abducted.

He also referenced the abduction of a traditional ruler in Olayinka community alongside his wife, noting that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom running into millions of naira.

The advocate claimed that many traditional rulers no longer resided in their domains due to safety concerns.

“Although not all traditional rulers have abandoned their communities, a significant number of them no longer live there. They only visit when necessary and leave immediately. Very few have the courage to remain. If any of them is still residing in their domain, let them come forward and state it openly,” he said.

Bello blamed abandonment of traditional practices.

“In the olden days, no one dared to touch a king. Today, our monarchs have abandoned traditional ways of protection.

“Our kings have their share of the blame. They harbour these bandits and criminals; they give them land; they know them, they cannot pretend they do not know them.

“They allow aliens to intermarry with the natives; they create markets for them; they install Seriki for them on Yoruba land. If security is made their responsibility, they will take it seriously,” he added.

The community leader linked the worsening insecurity to illegal mining activities and weak local structures.

Traditional rulers abandoned indigenous protection — Monarch

The monarch of Osi community in Akure North LGA, Oba David Olajide, also advised his colleagues to adopt measures to protect themselves and their subjects against criminal attacks.

Olajide, who once survived a bandit attack in his community, also lamented that some rulers had abandoned the traditions of their communities.

He said, “The issue of insecurity in the country is getting worse to the extent that bandits are attacking obas, but we traditional rulers are not resting on our oars. For instance, in my local government here, we are taking proactive measures both traditional and modern, but these are matters we can only discuss in the media cautiously because they are security issues.

“Another issue is that some obas are wrongly chosen in their communities. It is very absurd to hear that bandits are killing monarchs. Bandits cannot kill a real monarch; they cannot even go near where they are, let alone attack them. In the olden days, warriors used to be made obas, so how can you attack a warrior? It is not possible.

“But the problem we are having is that some obas were not chosen the way they should be chosen. They were selected based on connections in government or because they have money. Such persons would not take the tradition of the community seriously. Nowadays, we are having politicians as obas, and people who don’t understand tradition as obas. These are the problems.

“So, obas too need to reduce their flamboyant lifestyle. They should not be seen everywhere, at every ceremony, spraying money or moving in convoy. We obas should understand the issue of insecurity nowadays and reduce all these lifestyles.”

However, the monarch urged the government and security agencies to support efforts aimed at fighting crime and criminality in their domains.

Meanwhile, local vigilante groups say they are struggling to contain the situation due to poor equipment and limited support.

A vigilante member in Ifelodun, who identified himself as Musa, said armed groups had taken over forests in the area.

“We know these forests, but they have better weapons. Sometimes, before help comes, they are gone.

“Even with our local guns, we are always facing them without fear, but you know their superior firepower always gives them the upper hand,” he said.

He, however, called for stronger collaboration between vigilantes and formal security agencies, including better funding and equipment.

The Chairman of the Igbomina Professional Association, Bode Iranloye, described the situation as alarming.

“This menace has destroyed the peaceful nature of our communities. It has affected agriculture, commerce, and communal life,” he said.

Iranloye recommended improved intelligence gathering, deployment of surveillance technology, and stricter regulation of illegal mining activities.

A security analyst, Sadiq Lawal, said the trend was concerning.

He said, “When criminals begin to target traditional rulers, it is a clear indication that authority structures have collapsed. In many African societies, kings are seen as sacred and untouchable. Once they become targets, it means the criminals are no longer afraid of consequence.” (Saturday PUNCH)