A land dispute in Cross River state, Nigeria, has taken a dramatic turn after a former Minister of Finance, Anthony Ani, challenged the legitimacy of a letter of administration granted to Etubom Adolphus Eniang Owong and the Ikot Ani family. The letter, issued in 2012, gave Etubom Adolphus Eniang Owong control over his late father’s estate in Mbiabo Ikoneto, including ownership of specific farmlands. However, a recent judgment by the Calabar High Court, delivered by Justice Edem Ita Koofre, has set aside the letter of administration, sparking a heated reaction from the Ikot Ani family and other stakeholders.
The court’s decision was based on the grounds that Etubom Adolphus Eniang Owong failed to establish the precise nature of the title to his late father’s land. Justice Koofre maintained that the lands in question are communally owned by the Mbiabo Traditional Council. In response, the probate division, represented by Dr. N.I. Ofem, argued that the farmlands mentioned in the letter of administration referred specifically to those inherited by Etubom Adolphus Eniang Owong’s late father, and not the entire village of Mbiabo Ikoneto.
The Ikot Ani family has expressed disappointment and outrage over the judgment, describing it as a miscarriage of justice. They recalled a similar incident in 2019, when Anthony Ani attempted to take over their land under the guise of using it for the Basin Development Authority. The family has since filed a stay of execution, pending the outcome of an appeal filed by Etubom Adolphus Eniang Owong and the probate division of the high court.
Counsel to Etubom Adolphus Eniang Owong, Bassey Aikpo, confirmed that they have filed an order to stay the execution of the judgment, which has been served to all relevant parties. As the case continues to unfold, the Ikot Ani family remains resolute in their determination to protect their ancestral lands. The dispute highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding land ownership and administration in Nigeria, where communal and individual interests often collide.
