Land Dispute: Court dismisses suit against Esobiebi, Edjeba families

The Delta State High Court of Justice sitting at Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area, on Tuesday May 12, 2026, dismissed a suit instituted by eleven persons against Esobiebi and Edjeba families for want of jurisdiction. 

The Presiding Judge, Justice Joe Egwu, ruled that the claimants, who purportedly filed the suit on behalf of Odorume family, laying claim to a parcel of land at Iriama Mereje Community in Okpe Local Government Area, instituted the case outside the ten years limitation period for actions founded on lands, as contained in section three of the limitation law of Delta State.

Justice Egwu, reportedly said the claimants have been re-litigating over the same subject matter since 2004, despite previous adverse rulings and judgement against them, noting that the case was an abuse of court process.

Justice Egwu subsequently awarded the sum of one million naira against the claimants, in favour of the fifth to eight defendants, Messrs; Paul Esobiebi, Erivwo Omonode, Kingsley Esobiebi and Goodluck Iyanki.

The fifth to eight defendants as well as other members of Esobiebi family, who were visibly elated, hailed the judgement, describing it as triumph of truth over falsehood.

They noted that the case has further strengthened their belief that the judiciary is the hope of the common man, urging trespassers to the said parcel of land, to desist forthwith.

The Chairman of Esobiebi family, Mr. Paul Esobiebi, the Vice Chairman, Mr. Sunny Biokoro and the Secretary Mr. Goodluck Yankee, thereafter, called on the management Seplat Energy Plc, to honour the Court judgement and commence negotiation with representatives of Esobiebi family.

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