By Emmanuel Thomas I Friday, August 21,2026
JEDDO, DELTA STATE — Tensions flared in the early hours of Thursday as officials of the Orerokpe High Court, accompanied by heavy security personnel, successfully executed a Writ of Possession over a contested over 9-acres parcel of land belonging to the Akpoikiowan family at Offor Layout, Ikpereguma, Jeddo community, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
The enforcement exercise marks a decisive turn in a long-standing legal battle over ownership rights to the vast tract of land. Court bailiffs, acting under strict legal mandates, enforced the takeover, securing the perimeter and signaling an official change of physical control in alignment with the court’s judgment.
Witnesses reported that court officials arrived at the Ikpereguma site early in the morning to mark structures and assert control over the 9-acres expanse, following judgement by Justice U. Egbo on May 28,2024 in the matter between Benson Iwekpe and Moses Arosuaine
The execution of a Writ of Possession is the final legal mechanism employed by Nigerian courts to enforce a judgment granting ownership or possession of real property to a successful litigant, effectively evicting unauthorized occupants and stopping ongoing developments.
The exercise was carried out following the expiration of required legal notices served on parties occupying or laying claim to the land, ensuring compliance with the Sheriff and Civil Process Act.
The land controversy in Ikpereguma, Jeddo, stems from multi-year rival claims over historical ownership, boundary demarcations, and customary rights of acquisition involving members of the Akpoikiowan family and neighboring interests.
The Core Property: The disputed area comprises 9 acres of strategic real estate within Ikpereguma, a rapidly expanding area in Jeddo, Okpe LGA.
The legal dispute was brought before the Orerokpe High Court, where parties presented evidence of customary title, survey plans, and historical occupation.
The Verdict: Following exhaustive arguments and evaluation of evidence, the High Court ruled in favor of the judgment creditors, issuing the Writ of Possession to give full effect to the legal judgment.
Jeddo and its surrounding communities in Okpe Local Government Area have witnessed increasing real estate interest due to their proximity to major urban centers like Effurun and Warri.
The resolution of land disputes of this scale is considered critical by legal experts for preserving commercial confidence and preventing communal clashes over boundary uncertainties in Delta State.
Chairman and Secretary Akpoikiowan Family Land Committee, Messrs Benson Iwekpe and Akporode Oforuraye observed the enforcement by court bailiffs and other security operatives deployed to maintain law and order.
The Court officials confirmed that the possession process was completed, officially transferring physical custody of the over 9-acres property in accordance with the court’s decree.
Representatives of the family said they went to court because they are a peaceful family that neither possess nor sold property belonging to other families.
They thanked the court stressing that the Judiciary surely remains the last hope of the common man.
