Otuocha

The history of Otuocha has been the source of problem that exist between the two major groups that live in Otuocha land. Oral source had it that Otuocha land was earlier known as Otu Oche belonging to the people of Umueri. The small parcel known as "Otu-Oche (referring to the "Port" ) is only about 1 square mile. The name was originally called "Otu oche" and Oche is a man from Umueri who founded the port. But was corrupted by the advent of Europeans who mispronounced the name as "Otuocha". Since then the town has been known as Otuocha.

The main people and original natives living in the town of Otuocha (Otu Oche) are the Umueri people (Pronounced "Umuleri") who accommodated the Aguleri people. Whereas, the Aguleri migrated and dwell in the northern part of the town, Umueri are found mostly in the southern part of the town, along the tarred road leading from Oya-Agu Abagana to Otuocha market. Another groups found in the town are the Umuoba Anam who co-habits the central part of the town along with the two hosts. There are other groups from other part of Igboland living as tenants and residents in the town and these include the Hausa, Ijaw and Yoruba communities.

The crux of problems that militate the growth of this town lies in the age-long land disputes over Otuocha land which have led to much violence and animosity between the two hosts, the Aguleri and Umuleri communities. The question is which of the two communities first settled at the land and which of them has superior claim over the territory now called Otuocha? The case was first heard in 1933 when Umuleri leaders sued Aguleri over the land but lost because Aguleri people are the one that leased the land to Royal Niger Company Limited and royalties are being paid to Aguleri people by Royal Niger company and therefore had been divested of the rights or title to the land according to the judgment then. The court held that Umuleri has nothing left to justify the court giving them a declaration of title. Aguleri sensing the loss of the case, sued Umueri in 1935 but lost again on the ground that they too could not establish exclusive ownership of the land.

In 1964, Anambra County Council changed the named of Otuocha headquarters to "Otuocha Aguleri" led to another suit by Umuleri Community and this was a major reason for the crisis of 1964 in which some people were killed and properties destroyed. The Nigeria Civil War interrupted the legal battles between the two sides as the case was suspended. After the war, the East Central State Government restored the name to Otuocha. In 1975, Aguleri again sued Umuleri claiming exclusive ownership of Otuocha. They lost on the same ground as before. They appealed to the Court of Appeal who reversed the decision of the High Court. The Umuleri Community appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme court as its decision on the case, the judge stated this; "May I, however, sound a note of warning to the defendants (i.e Umuleri community). In dismissing the plaintiff's case (i.e Aguleri community claim for exclusive ownership of the land); I have not decided that Otuocha land belongs to the defendants (Umuleri community). It is my view that neither side can establish ownership of the whole of otuocha land. If on leaving this court premises, no doubt, jubilant, they (i.e the Umuleri community) and their leaders should take full responsibility for any breaches of peace that may occur).