COURT DECLARES ESSI* *FAMILY OF IGBUDU AS* *RIGHTFUL OWNERS OF* *FORMER INTERNATIONAL HOTEL , A CHOICE PROPERTY,NOW SERVING AS AGOFURE MOTORS HEADQUARTERS* — *JUSTICE PREVAILED* *AFTER A DECADE-LONG* *DISPUTE SAYS* *DR AKPO MUDIAGA ODJE*

 

 *By* Wilson Macaulay 

WARRI 

 *In a landmark* *judgment hailed as a* *major legal victory the* *High Court sitting in* *Warri,Delta State* , *has declared the Essi Family of*  *Igbudu* ,Warri,as the *rightful* owners of the property *formerly* *known* as the *International Hotel* ,now serving as the head office of Agofure Motors,located at *Deco Junction* , *Warri* .

 The judgment, delivered in *Suit No W/181/2017 by Hon Justice P O. Onajite-Kuejubola* ( *Mrs* ), marks the conclusion of a protracted legal battle spanning over a decade. The case revolved around the ownership of the strategically situated commercial property, which has evolved into one of Delta State's busiest transportation hubs.

 In her ruling, *Justice* *Onajite-Kuejubola* affirmed that the land lawfully belongs to the Essi Family, based on well-established historical and legal claims.

 *Represented* by *Dr* *Mudiaga Odje SAN*& Co* ( *Ewewu Chambers* ), the Essi Family sought redress and the restoration of their ownership rights, which they alleged had been unlawfully encroached upon.  

 The ruling is seen as a major development in land restitution efforts across Delta State, especially in areas where indigenous ownership had been historically challenged. Justice delayed is not always justice denied. This judgment is a testament to the fact that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. It restores confidence in the legal system and protects the sanctity of property rights,” a property expert and commentator declared after the judgement 

The presiding Associate,of *Ewewu* *Chambers, Dr Akpo* *Mudiaga Odje* , a  constitutional lawyer ,

 maintained that the  ruling is a bold assertion of the court’s role in protecting indigenous land rights, especially in urban centers like Warri where commercial expansion often fuels land disputes. 

Legal experts have also praised the ruling, noting its potential to set a precedent in property law, especially in cases involving disputed ancestral lands in urban commercial areas. One legal analyst noted: “This case underscores the importance of proper documentation, historical claims, and the rule of law in property disputes. It is a win for due process.” As at  press time, the *Management* of *Agofure Motors* had yet to issue any official statement regarding the court’s decision.

[ *Judgement dedicated to God Almighty, and to the Memory of Dr* *Mudiaga Odje SAN* ( *1923 -2005* )

 *GOD IS STANDING* *BY*