Tensions have escalated between communities in Akwa Ibom State following a dispute over the ownership of a seaport located within the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone.

The conflict involves residents of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area and Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, both laying claim to the land where the facility is situated.

Crisis Deepens After Arrival of Ships

The dispute intensified over the weekend after ships berthed at the port, prompting celebrations among residents of Ikot Abasi.

However, the situation quickly deteriorated when youths from Eastern Obolo protested the development, threatening action over what they described as an attempt to wrongly attribute the project’s location.

Under the aegis of the Obolo Youth Coalition, the group warned that it would resist any continued claims that undermine their territorial ownership.

Eastern Obolo Youths Reject Ikot Abasi Claims

In a communiqué signed by its leaders, the group insisted that the seaport is entirely located within Eastern Obolo territory.

They accused some reports and stakeholders of spreading misleading information by attributing the project to Ikot Abasi, describing such claims as provocative and unacceptable.

According to the group, the misrepresentation undermines their community’s heritage and economic recognition tied to the seaport project.

Ikot Abasi Group Fires Back

In a swift response, the Ukpum Ete Unity Association, representing interests in Ikot Abasi, dismissed the claims as inaccurate and historically flawed.

The group argued that historical records, including a 1945 judgment, support their claim that the land belongs to the Ukpum Ete clan in Ikot Abasi.

They maintained that administrative changes, such as the creation of local government areas, do not alter original land ownership.

Calls for Government Intervention

Both groups have called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to intervene, warning that the dispute could threaten peace in the area if not urgently addressed.

While Eastern Obolo youths warned against continued “encroachment,” the Ikot Abasi group urged authorities to take action against what it described as attempts to incite unrest.

The development highlights growing tensions around resource control and territorial identity in oil-rich communities, especially as new economic projects emerge.

The post Akwa Ibom Communities Clash Over Seaport Ownership appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Professor Emmanuel O. Ojo, a political scientist at the University of Ilorin, has called for the repeal of the Land Use Act to allow communities benefit directly from their mineral resources.

Speaking during the university’s 291st Inaugural Lecture titled “The Worship of an Unknown Deity,” Ojo said the current law “robs Peter to pay Paul,” as it centralizes control of natural wealth.

He suggested that while royalties from solid minerals should go to the federal purse, states should manage the resources within their boundaries. According to him, a restructured federal system is essential for national growth, efficiency, and unity.

Ojo also advocated the revival of local governments, a fairer revenue allocation formula, and citizenship rights for residents who have lived in any state for at least ten years.

He called on the Federal Government to strengthen the federal character principle, extend it to infrastructure distribution, and begin work on a new constitution that truly reflects the people’s will.

“The present constitution,” he said, “is a legacy of military rule and cannot deliver genuine federalism.”

The post Ilorin Professor Urges Repeal of Land Use Act, Calls for True Federalism appeared first on Housing TV Africa.