Awka Catholic Diocese denies eviction, destruction of tenants properties, blames court
The Catholic Diocese of Awka has clarified that it did not directly participate in the recent eviction of tenants from a property along Jerome Udorji Secretariat Road, Awka, Anambra State.
The church said the exercise, which also led to the destruction of properties of tenants in the building, was carried out solely by the court’s bailiff in execution of a judgment, with the assistance of police officers.
In a press conference in Awka on Thursday, the Chancellor of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Ndubisi, said the eviction was the outcome of a protracted legal dispute over ownership of the property, which the court resolved in favour of the Diocese.
The property was said to be owned by a deceased priest, leading to a legal battle by the church to reclaim it from a man said to be a relative of the priest who took over the property.
According to Ndubisi, the diocese opted to follow due process after discovering that one Mr. Chidi Osakwe had allegedly taken over the building and rented it out to tenants without authorisation.
“We took the civil and humane path of seeking redress in court rather than using force,” Fr. Ndubisi stated.
He explained that both Mr. Osakwe and the “unknown persons” occupying the property were served quit notices and, after failing to vacate within the stipulated period, the court ordered their removal.
“The bailiff enforced and executed the judgment because the court granted the execution order. The Church was not involved in the enforcement,” he stressed.
While expressing sympathy for tenants who may have been misled into renting the property, Fr. Ndubisi said those who have approached the Diocese are being offered the opportunity to sign new tenancy agreements.
He urged others affected to do the same, noting that “our hands are wide open to welcome them.”
The Diocesan Chancellor also cautioned against spreading “false narratives” about the Church on social media on the matter, calling instead for peace and dialogue.
Meanwhile, Fr. Ndubisi disclosed that Mr. Osakwe is facing criminal charges at the Awka Magistrate Court over the matter.
Awka Catholic Diocese denies eviction, destruction of tenants properties, blames court
