Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, a prominent activist, has filed a lawsuit against Governor Charles Soludo and three others, alleging the illegal imposition of a land recertification tax in Anambra State.
Okonkwo claims that the state government’s ongoing land document revalidation exercise violates federal legislation under the Land Use Act of 1978, thereby breaching constitutional provisions.
In a suit filed before the High Court in Awka, Okonkwo contends that the N25,000 fee imposed on landowners for recertification is unconstitutional and amounts to financial exploitation.
He alleges that the exercise is being used as a means to illicitly generate funds for Governor Soludo’s re-election campaign ahead of the upcoming governorship elections in November 2025.
The lawsuit names the governor, the state’s Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, and the Commissioner of Police as defendants. According to Okonkwo, the recertification initiative, announced in a public notice by the state’s Ministry of Lands, lacks legal backing under the Land Use Act and contravenes the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act.
Okonkwo is urging the court to determine whether the state government possesses the legal authority to mandate such recertification and to levy the associated tax. He also seeks a declaration that the exercise infringes on the civil rights of landowners, including himself, and calls for a refund of the funds collected.
In addition to declaring the tax unconstitutional, Okonkwo is demanding that the court order an investigation into what he describes as “mega financial fraud.” He argues that the exercise is a ploy to unjustly enrich certain individuals at the expense of Anambra citizens.
The activist further requests that the court issue an injunction to halt the recertification process and compel the defendants to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Land Use Act. He also calls for a police investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds and demands exemplary damages of N10 billion against the defendants for their actions.
Okonkwo maintains that the state government’s actions not only undermine public trust but also violate the fundamental rights of landowners. He warns that without judicial intervention, the initiative could set a dangerous precedent for governance and public accountability in Anambra State.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with many landowners and stakeholders keenly awaiting the court’s verdict on this contentious issue.
