The Eleme Local Government Council of Rivers State has constituted a 22-member Land Disputes Investigation Panel to investigate allegations of land grabbing, unlawful encroachment and illegal acquisition of ancestral community lands in the area.
The Executive Chairman of the council, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, announced the constitution of the panel on Monday, August 10, 2026, during a press conference at the Eleme Local Government Council Secretariat.
Ollor said the initiative was in response to growing concerns over the alleged forceful dispossession of individuals and families of their legitimate properties by criminal elements operating under the guise of real estate companies.
He recalled that he had on June 30, 2026, signed an Executive Order suspending all real estate activities within Eleme Local Government Area.
According to him, the council subsequently directed real estate companies, developers and individuals intending to undertake lawful real estate businesses in the area to obtain clearance and authorisation from the council, as well as other necessary approvals, before accessing or developing landed property.
He said the council’s position was further reinforced during a courtesy visit by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) on July 10, when both parties discussed collaboration to tackle land grabbing in the area.
Ollor said the newly constituted panel would receive public petitions, investigate complaints concerning land encroachment, unlawful acquisition and other related disputes, and make appropriate recommendations to the council.
The panel is chaired by Chief Obo Obaa, with Hon. Johnson Igwe Chujor as Vice Chairman and George Onu Obo as Secretary.
Other members include representatives of the Eleme Legislative Council, the council’s Legal Unit, Rivers State Surveyor General’s Office, Ministry of Lands and Survey, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), REDAN, Surveyors Council of Rivers State, Eleme Youth Council, CDC Chairmen, the Palace of the traditional ruler and the press.
The council also appointed representatives of its Works Department, Revenue Unit and other stakeholders to the panel.
Ollor directed individuals, families, communities and organisations who had allegedly been unlawfully dispossessed of their lands or had pending complaints relating to land encroachment and illegal real estate activities to submit written petitions and relevant supporting documents to the panel.
The panel is scheduled to sit from Tuesday, August 11, to Wednesday, September 30, 2026, between 9am and 4pm at Aleto Town Hall, Aleto, Eleme.
The council said submission of petitions and supporting documents would take place from August 11 to 17, while all real estate companies operating in the area would be required to submit their land titles, local government permits, approvals, receipts for levies, deeds of conveyance, survey plans and other relevant documents.
Panel hearings and appearances by concerned parties are scheduled for August 18 to September 11, followed by fact-finding visits and site inspections from September 14 to 25.
The panel is expected to submit its final report between September 28 and 30.
The council directed that all petitions and supporting documents be submitted in 20 photocopies, while real estate firms must present the original copies of their title documents for sighting and verification.
Ollor specifically warned landowners within the disputed corridors of Aleto, Alesa, Akpajo, Agbonchia, Alode and other related areas against further sales of land pending the conclusion of the panel’s hearings and submission of its recommendations.
He also reminded residents that the Local Government Council has statutory responsibility to issue necessary building permits and approvals within its jurisdiction.
He warned that the council could, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, remove or demolish structures erected without the required approvals or those that failed to comply with statutory requirements.
The chairman thanked Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for ensuring that real estate activities along the Woji-Aleto-Alesa Link Road Corridor remained suspended to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order pending the implementation of a sustainable and lawful solution by the state government.
He also acknowledged the Member representing Eleme Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Aforji Igwe Obe, Ph.D., and other stakeholders for their support in addressing the land disputes.
Ollor stressed that the constitution of the panel would not affect, impede or preclude any ongoing or intended investigation by the Rivers State Government.
He said Eleme was willing to collaborate with the state government and other relevant authorities towards achieving lasting peace and resolving land-related disputes in the local government area.
“The Eleme Local Government Council assures members of the public that all petitions will be treated fairly, impartially, and in accordance with the law,” Ollor said.
He added that the council remained determined to restore sanity to land administration, protect the rights of legitimate landowners and eliminate illegal land acquisition and fraudulent real estate practices in Eleme.
