Awka Catholic Diocese Faces Legal Dispute Over Late Reverend Father’s House Gift to Nephew

By Tony Okafor, Awka

The inheritance dispute between the Catholic Diocese of Awka and Mr. Emmanuel Chidi Osakwe, nephew of a late Catholic priest, Monsignor Martin Eze-Okoli, came up on Tuesday before the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka.

The matter, marked Suit No. A/355/2025, was heard before Justice Ike Ogu.

Mr. Osakwe was represented in court by his counsel, Mr. Martin Obi, while neither the Catholic Diocese of Awka nor its legal representatives was present when the case was called.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Obi said the suit concerns properties allegedly bequeathed to his client by his late uncle, a Catholic priest.

He explained that the action was filed against the Registered Trustees of the Catholic Diocese of Awka over ownership and inheritance claims relating to the said property, which the claimant insists was either gifted to him by the deceased cleric.

Obi further stated that the defence had failed to enter appearance since the case was filed in October last year, despite being duly served court processes and notices of hearing.

According to him, the legal team had filed a motion urging the court to take note that the statutory period of 42 days for filing a defence had elapsed without any response from the defendants.

He said the court, however, observed that proof of service needed to be properly established before further steps could be taken in the matter.

“The case is before the court for the first time, and the defendant has not appeared despite being served,” Obi said, adding that they are asking the court to proceed in line with the rules since the time allowed for defence has expired.

Obi also noted that the core of the dispute is ownership of the property, stressing that the claimant maintains that the house was lawfully bequeathed to him, while the Diocese is laying claim to it.

He said the court adjourned the matter to 27 October 2026, for hearing of the motion and possible further directions.

According to him, steps will continue to ensure proper service and compliance before the next sitting, adding that the claimant’s legal team is prepared to proceed once the procedural requirements are satisfied.

Our Correspondent learnt that the Awka Catholic Diocese had long evicted Mr. Osakwe, along with tenants, from the property in dispute.