Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the reinstatement of ownership rights of a land belonging to former military governor, Anthony Ukpo, which was revoked by the immediate past governor, Nyesom Wike.
The property is at Plot 319, GRA Phase II, Port Harcourt, where Ogeyi Place Hotels Limited is situated.
The saga began with the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy to ANTHONY UKPO in 1998, covering the expansive 2864.64 square meter parcel of land.
Subsequent to this, ANTHONY UKPO assigned his interests in the property to OGEYI PLACE HOTELS LIMITED via a Deed of Assignment in 2001.
However, the tide turned in December 2022 when the then Governor, Nyesom Wike, revoked the statutory Right of Occupancy for government use, citing public interest.
As contained in a statement, Governor Siminalayi invoked powers under section 28 (5) (a) (b) of the Land Use Act and other relevant statutes to withdraw and cancel the revocation.
This decision reinstates OGEYI PLACE HOTELS LIMITED’s rights over the property, nullifying the previous government claim.
“This reinstatement ensures justice and fairness,” stated Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in the press release, emphasising the importance of adhering to legal due process in matters concerning property rights.
For now, OGEYI PLACE HOTELS LIMITED stands poised to resume its plans for Plot 319 GRA Phase II, marking a pivotal moment in the legal and administrative history of property rights in Rivers State.
In December 2022, an unconfirmed letter purportedly issued by the Nyesom Wike-led government to Ogeyi Place Hotels Limited indicated that the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the hotel was revoked for alleged default on ground rent payment.
At the time, Opunabo Inko Taria, former media adviser to Governor Wike, had criticised the action, suggesting it was a punitive measure against the hotel for hosting a meeting of the supporters of former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Sahara Reporters
