In the heart of Ekpene Ekpe land in Itu Local Government Area, a compelling saga unfolds as the Edidem family embarks on a poignant quest to reclaim its inheritance
The words of Niccolò Machiavelli, “A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair,” resonate deeply in this narrative, reflecting the profound impact of legacy and material wealth on familial bonds.
As Edidem’s children navigate legal intricacies and emotional turmoil, their story unveils a broader societal reflection on the complexities of heritage, identity, and the relentless pursuit of justice
A VISIT TO LATE OKUKU EDIDEM IKOTIDEM’S FAMILY ON EKPENE EKPE LAND TUSSLE
To provide clarification on the reports about the embattled demolition of houses at Ekpene Ekpe land, journalists visited the family of Late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem at Atai Ibiaku-Itam community on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The reporters were received and briefed by the following members of Late Ikotidem’s dynasty: chairman, Edidem Ikotidem’s family, Elder Archibong Ikot, Elder Sunday Edidem Ikotidem, Mr. Bassey Edidem, Apostle Ibanga Edidem, Pastor Iniobong Edidem, Otuekong Udeme Edidem, and Mr. Ezekiel Edidem.
Elder Archibong Ikot chronicled the history of the land before journalists as follows: When Late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem passed away in 1996, leaving behind his wife and twenty-one (21) children, they could not have imagined that years later, they would find themselves fighting against conspiring parties/land grabbers for their father’s land, their inheritance. Edidem purchased a piece of land, popularly known as “Ekpene Ekpe,” in the Ntak Inyang community, sharing a boundary with the Itam Development Union, in Itu Local Government Area. After fulfilling all the change of ownership procedures, the late Edidem proceeded and planted palm trees on the land, cultivating it until he died in 1996.
After his death, a case involving the late Edidem’s widow, Ima Edidem Ikotidem, and Michael Sunday Edem with “SUIT NO: MIT/1A/2012” arose from the community, where the Chief Magistrate Court of Akwa Ibom State, in Itu Magisterial District, issued a Warrant for Possession of Premises in favor of Ima Edidem Ikotidem, the Late Edidem Ikotidem’s widow, on the 22nd day of November 2018.
However, the family of Edidem Ikotidem alleged that after the judgment was served in favor of the family and the family inheritance lawfully reclaimed, some land grabbers had encroached on the land despite a pending court injunction, destroying the cash crop (palm tree plantation) and erecting structures and residing on the property.
According to Chief Archibong Ikot, the third son of the Late Edidem Ikotidem, “We have warned the illegal occupants of the property not to engage, purchase, or transact business on the land with any person that’s not of Edidem Ikotidem’s lineage, but our warnings fell on deaf ears. Persons, especially visitors, continually fell to the antics of the land grabbers. They have illegally bought portions of the land, erected structures, and occupied the property.
“As law-abiding citizens, numerous times, we have sent for the illegal occupants for negotiations, but our invitations fell on deaf ears of most of the occupants, while some of them have complied with the family for negotiation, and their structures spared during the demolition.”
He said it was on this premise that the family, through Prospect Chambers & Co., obtained and served the illegal occupants a quit notice on the 2nd day of October 2019, following the court judgment of the 22nd day of November 2018.
Elder Ikot debunked that the demolition of illegal structures at the Ekpene Ekpe land that occurred on Friday, February 16, 2024, was neither carried out by Late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem’s family nor their junior brother, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem, the Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
He said, rather, it was executed by the security agents following a valid order from the Chief Magistrate Court of Akwa Ibom State.
PRESENTATION OF FACTS AND EVIDENCES
To further prove their claims, the family presented a volume of documents buttressing their position as the bonafide owners of the Ekpene Ekpe land. The documents include a judgment order from the Chief Magistrate Court of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria in Itu Magisterial District, dated 22nd day of November 2018.
Also obtained as a document was a Notice to quit and notice of enforcement of the court order pursuant to the court judgment of the 22nd day of November 2018 from Prospect Chambers & Co.
The notice dated 2nd October 2019 was addressed to all illegal occupants of the entire portion of the land called “Ekpene Ekpe” situated at Ntak Inyang, all persons purportedly squatting/unlawfully erecting structures on the aforementioned land, and all farmers/trespassers acting through one Michael Sunday Etim and other unknown land speculators to quit and deliver up peaceable possession of the above-mentioned land.
The notice reads in part: “Further take notice that by virtue of the Court judgment of 22nd November 2018, which said judgment/order of court was duly enforced accordingly, the said land “Ekpene Ekpe” remains the bonafide property of the family of Edidem Ikotidem and as such, anybody purportedly claiming the said land otherwise than through the Edidem Ikotidem family does so at his or her own risk.”
Again, this reporter further obtained the official report of the Itam Clan Council’s Arbitration Panel regarding the Ekpene Ekpe land case.
The report was signed by the Chairman and Clan Head of Itam, Etebom Donald Uboh, along with other signatories including the Vice Chairman and Village Head of Ikot Ekwere-Itam, Obong Sunday Matthew Ekong; Secretary, Obong Effiong Robert Udoh, and members: Okuku Asuquo Bassey Eyo, Obong Valentine Odung, the Village Head of Ntak Inyang-Itam, and Obong Jacob Eyo Ukut.
The report, dated 14th February 2023, concludes as follows: “The Panel after careful reading and study of a copy of the proceedings, it was observed that Ima Edidem Ikotidem, the plaintiff in the case, was the wife of Late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem. The case was settled in her favour.
“Therefore, Itam Clan Arbitration Panel cannot enter into the case since the said land had been pronounced upon by Court of competent jurisdiction to Ima Edidem Ikotidem, wife of Late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem, as stated by Eddie Ntukidem and Associates, Legal practitioners, and consultants”.
A VISIT TO CHIEF EDUOK I. EDUOK
Reporters also visited Chief Eduok O. Eduok, a respected elder from Ikot Obio Atai-Itam, a neighboring village to Ntak Inyang. Chief Eduok affirmed that the Late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem family’s plea for a peaceful resolution and adherence to the court’s ruling demonstrates their commitment to fairness, justice, and peace.
During the discussion with correspondents on Tuesday, Chief Eduok categorically declared the ownership of the Ekpene Ekpe land. He challenged anyone who disputes his claims to bring him to court, as he stands ready to testify to the truth as registered in his memory. He also called for justice to prevail, urging the identification and prosecution of those responsible for illegally selling parcels of the land and ruthlessly destroying the palm fruits planted by the Late Edidem Ikotidem
Chief Eduok highlighted that the Edidem Ikotidem family has extended an open hand to those who have encroached upon their land, encouraging them to engage in peaceful negotiations. He emphasized that consulting the Late Edidem’s family and children is crucial for anyone seeking to acquire the land, ensuring a respectful and proper approach to the matter.
TESTIMONIES FROM NEGOTIATORS
Following the demolition against the alleged squatters, two individuals who purchased land from the alleged land grabbers, Mr. Nsemeke and Mr. Idorenyin Edet Inyang, were identified as the negotiators who met and renegotiated with the Edidem Ikotidem’s family and were spared
Additionally, Mr. Saviour Abia confirmed during a telephone conversation on Tuesday that he peacefully resolved the land dispute with the Edidem family, ensuring his house remained unaffected.
The tales of the Okuku Edidem Ikotidem family’s struggle for their inheritance at Ekpene Ekpe land is not just a personal quest for justice but also a reflection of broader societal issues around heritage, identity, and the challenges faced by families in maintaining their legacy.
