BENIN CITTY- The hearing and resolution on the case of the 15 hectares of land own by a London-based business man, and illegally encroached and acquired by a Chinese company in Utesi Community in lkpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State has been fixed for September 21, 2021.
The case, with suit number B/2452020, by the claimant, Mr Ibosa Osodin, a London-based businessman, is seeking justice from the court in regards to the deliberate acquisition of his hectares of land in Utesi community by the Chinese companies; Time Cerramics limited, Ronsheng Glass Nigeria limited and Ronta Aluminum Nigeria company, as they deliberately and adamantly rebuff the title of ownership of the 150 plots own by the London-based business man.
The 15 hectares,150 plots, with a certificate of occupancy issued in 2020 was bought from the Enogie, elders and all accredited representatives of Utesi community with all titled documents in 2018 by Mr Ibosa Osodin for the purpose of building a state-of-the-art housing estates as part of his contributions to community development in the area with support from his foreign business partners.
In her ruling, during the court proceedings, the presiding judge in Benin City high court, haven listened to the pleas of the counsel to the Chinese companies to give them time to explore avenues to settle with the claimant, Mr lbosa Osodin, adjourn hearing on the case, with suit number B/2452020, to 21st of September 2021.
Responding to the adjournment by the presiding Judge, Barrister Anthony Osamudiamen Osula, counsel to the claimant, Mr lbosa Osodin, said they strongly believe in the rule of law as the last hope for the common man and must seek justice to the fullest as the Chinese companies have clearly shown by their actions that they have scant regard for the Nigeria laws and also act with impunity, an illegality they won’t get away with in their own country.
The barrister, while frowning at the illegality perpetuated by the Chinese companies said, “We are not happy that our client, Mr Ibosa who is an investor will be treated in this manner” by foreigners whose companies have deliberately disregarded their corporate social responsibilities to the Utesi community by constant pollution and environmental degradation to the inhabitants of the community.
Barrister Osula said further that, the case in point is a novel one, and certain that justice will not only be done, but will be seen to be done.
He said further that the Chinese companies cannot get away with their illegality, because “We are a firm believer of the legal philosophy that the court is the last hope of the common man”.
