Building structures in some parts of the adoration ground of Okunerere Consuming Fire Ministry, Nsukka, Enugu State, were Thursday demolished.
The ministry, located opposite Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Nsukka, is owned by the chief exorcist of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, Rev Fr Professor Paul Obayi.
Although the cause of the demolition of the multi-million naira structures has not been officially stated, some residents alleged that the popular Catholic priest embarked on construction of infrastructure beyond the boundary of his land.
According to one Amos, from Iheagu, one of the host villages, “The portion that the structures were demolished was given to the state government by the host community for public facilities.
“Because it was left undeveloped, Fr Obayi, whose Okunerere ministry shares boundaries with the land, trespassed, and began to extend his infrastructure on the government land. He was forewarned, but he did not hear the warning.”
A resident of the area, Patricia Ogbu, said the land in question had been under dispute between the villagers, Fr Obayi, Catholic Church and the government.
She said, “Recall that there was a time the bishop of the diocese allegedly wanted to evict Fr Obayi from that side of the land. I doubt if it was resolved then.
“I also know that the state government has some portions of land there.
“The host villages donated them to attract public infrastructure. The place has been en messed in disputes.
“Some people are also witch-hunting the priest. Time shall tell who brought the bulldozers to demolish the edifices erected by Fr Obayi.”
There are however claims that the demolition was carried out by the state government aimed at stopping encroachment on lands meant for public infrastructure which is prevalent across the state.
Efforts to get the reaction of Fr Obayi did not yield results as he did not respond to messages put across to him.
Fr Obayi, a lawyer, last year threatened to step down as a Catholic priest in the heat of his land dispute with the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
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