Supreme Court Confirms Isaba Community’s Land Ownership After 55-Year Dispute

The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the Isaba community in Delta State, ending a legal battle over land ownership that has lasted more than five decades.

The dispute, which began in 1970, saw the Isaba and Aladja communities locked in a protracted court struggle over a parcel of land both groups claimed. The roots of the disagreement trace back to an earlier case in 1934, when Isaba was first named in a land dispute.

High Chief Arthur Akpodubakaye, the Uwagwu of Isaba Kingdom, confirmed the Supreme Court’s decision on Tuesday, calling it as a “triumphant affirmation” of his people’s ancestral rights.

“This judgment has affirmed, reaffirmed, and affirmed again our rightful ownership,” he said.

Over the years, the case passed through multiple levels of Nigeria’s judiciary, with key rulings in 1935, 1970, 2010, and 2013 all siding with the Isaba community. Despite previous wins, the legal process continued through appeals, culminating in the Supreme Court’s final decision this week.

Chief Akpodubakaye lauded his community’s patience and commitment to a peaceful resolution, stating that the ruling demonstrates that the people of Isaba are civilized and chose to wait for the courts, proving that justice, though delayed, has not been denied.

“This shows we are a civilized people. We waited for the courts, and justice, though delayed, has not been denied,” he said.

The Aladja community has not yet issued an official response to the judgment.