Obehie Police Division Resolves Lease Dispute Affecting Shepherd Plantation Limited
...Company vows to prosecute future intruders
By Ugo Ewa
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Obehie Police Station in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, SP Uche Uguru, has successfully settled a protracted lease dispute between Shepherd Plantation Limited and Uzowis Global Company.
During a peace meeting held at the Obehie Police Division, SP Uguru stressed the importance of maintaining peace and urged all parties to adhere strictly to the terms of the lease agreement.
“What we want is peace. There should be no further disruption of the Lease Agreement. Uche Okutu must allow the ongoing agreement to proceed, and if he wishes to engage with the company, he must follow the proper legal channels,” Uguru emphasized.
The dispute originated when Mr. Uche Okutu, a non-director of Shepherd Plantation Limited, allegedly disrupted operations by bringing workers to harvest palm fruits without authorisation from the company’s directors.
Reports indicate that Okutu claimed he was authorised by the elders of Igbodo village in Delta State to manage the plantation for 14 years, during which time he reportedly failed to provide an account of the company’s proceeds.
Mr. Peter Okutu, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and head of the Okutu family, lamented the financial losses caused by Uche’s interference.
“His actions have cost the company and its lessee millions of naira over a period exceeding three months,” Peter stated. “To compensate the Lessor, the Lease Agreement was extended by four months. Uche should stop tarnishing the family’s name for selfish gains.”
Peter Okutu further clarified that the Lease Agreement was lawfully signed by all four directors—Peter, Esther, Emeka, and Christopher Okutu—and that profits were fairly shared among the family members.
“We live in a civilized society where legal processes must be followed. Uche managed the company for 14 years without accountability to the board, but those days are over,” he declared.
The CEO warned that Shepherd Plantation Limited would henceforth prosecute anyone who trespasses or interferes with its property without express consent from the directors.
He also appealed to the military authorities at the 144 Battalion, Asa, Ukwa West, to maintain neutrality in the dispute, accusing some officers of showing undue sympathy towards Uche despite his lack of official status within the company.
“We have written to the Commanding Officer of 144 Battalion since November 2024, urging neutrality. The military must not be used to deepen divisions within our family or company,” Peter added.
The issue was earlier presented to His Royal Highness, Eze O.T. Ehiemere (Eze Obioha II), traditional ruler of Umunneator Autonomous Community, who affirmed the company’s legal standing and praised Peter Okutu’s leadership.
The monarch’s ruling confirmed that Shepherd Plantation Limited is a legally registered entity with duly recognised directors, and that the lease held by Uche would expire on December 31, 2024.
The royal declaration also highlighted that Uche had been leasing and occupying company property for 14 years without providing accountability to the board.
Hon. Uzoma Onya, Lessor and Councillor representing Obuzor Ward in Ukwa West LGA, expressed relief that the police resolved the dispute before it escalated into litigation.
“We had planned to seek ₦50 million in damages due to Uche’s interference. He even attacked me at the plantation and damaged our vehicle. Thankfully, the police stepped in,” Onya disclosed.
Shepherd Plantation Limited was founded on July 15, 1998 (RC 338419) by the late Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Samuel Okutu, who appointed his children from both wives as directors.
After his passing, Uche Okutu was allocated 15 plots of land with palm trees but reportedly abandoned them to focus on company property without authorisation.
With the dispute now resolved, the Obehie Police Division has warned that any further interference will result in arrest and prosecution, ensuring peace and lawful business operations return to the plantation.
