The Catholic Diocese of Awka, Anambra State, has debunked and cleared the air over the reports and the claims that it directly evicted tenants from a disputed property in Awka, clarifying that the action was purely a court-ordered execution carried out by the state through the bailiff and not by the church.

Addressing journalists at a press conference at the Diocesan Headquarters in Awka, on Thursday, August 14, the Diocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Ndubisi, said it became necessary to set the record straight in the face of what he described as “false narratives” trending on social media.

He explained that the property located at No. 27 Seaman Avenue/Secretariat Road, Awka, rightfully belongs to the Catholic Diocese of Awka, but, however, revealed that one Mr. Chidi Osakwe allegedly intruded into the property, took unlawful possession of it, and rented it out to tenants without the Diocese’s consent.

According to the Chancellor, the Diocese, in the spirit of civility, humanity and due process, initiated two separate court cases — one against Osakwe and another against the unknown tenants occupying the property illegally. He said both parties were duly served quit notices and, thereafter, a seven-day owner’s intention notice to vacate the premises.

“For record purposes, the intruder and unknown tenants occupying the property illegally, were served quit notice by the court. There were two suits, firstly against Mr. Chidi Osakwe. The second suit was against the unknown persons in the property. We were reliably informed by our legal unit that none of these persons complied with the notices,” he stated.

According to him, when the people failed to comply, the Diocese approached the court for an order of possession, in response to which judgment was delivered in the Diocese’s favour. He said, subsequently, the court issued an execution order, which the state’s bailiff carried out, and further emphasized that the eviction was executed by the state in line with the court’s order and not by the church.

His words: “…7 days owner’s intention notice meant to recover possession was served to both the intruder and unknown persons in the house. By this notice, they were given only 7 days to vacate the said apartment.

“At the expiration of the 7 days owner’s intention, the claim against Mr. Chidi Osakwe and those unknown persons was filed requesting the court to order for immediate possession of the property. The Court delivered judgment in favour of the rightful owner of the property.

“Finally, there was a court order for the execution of the judgment. The bailiff, based on that, enforced and executed the judgement.”

While hinting that Osakwe is currently facing criminal charges before the Awka Magistrate Court, the Diocesan Chancellor also expressed sympathy for occupants who were deceived into renting the property by Osakwe. He further revealed that some of the evicted tenants, having now known the rightful owners of the property, have approached the Diocese, signed tenancy agreements through its legal arm, and are now legitimate tenants. He also encouraged others in similar situations to come forward and regularize their tenancy with the Diocese.

“Our hands are wide open to welcome others who have not reached out to us and we encourage them to do so,” he stated, while also calling on those peddling “false narrative” on the social media about the Diocese to retrace their steps and embrace peace and dialogue.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Chancellor maintained that all the evicted tenants were fully aware of the dispute from the outset, having been served all legal notices and joined as parties in the court process. He dismissed claims that the church acted without due notice, reiterating that both the judicial and executive arms of government were involved in the enforcement.

Regarding the speculation that a priest of the Diocese, who was alleged to be the original owners of the disputed property before his demise, late Monsignor Martin Chukwubunna Ezeokoli, was not given a befitting burial, the Diocesan Chancellor dismissed that as “unfortunate” and “baseless.” According to him, the cleric, who opted to remain with the Awka Diocese after the creation of the Ekwulobia Diocese (where he hailed from by birth), was accorded a proper burial in line with Catholic tradition and the Diocese’s ethics.

On the controversy surrounding priestly vestments (soutanes) allegedly found at the property, Fr. Ndubisi confirmed that items belonging to the late cleric, which were in Osakwe’s possession, have been recovered and secured by the Diocese. He said the discovery further illustrated Osakwe’s level of “mischievousness.”

While reiterating his earlier call on those spreading false narratives on social media about the Diocese to desist and embrace peace and dialogue, the Chancellor further warned that the Diocese would take steps, within the law, to protect its image and property.

In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Chudi Aguinam, commended the media for attending the briefing and for their great role in the society, while also urging them to report the matter accurately to help dispel misinformation.

He further reiterated the Diocese’s commitment to transparency, resolving issue peacefully, and maintaining cordial relationships with the public.