Land, Lies, and Legacy: Step-Siblings Battle Over Late Father's Estate in Awkuzu

 

Ifite-Awkuzu, Anambra State – The dust is yet to settle in the polygamous household of the late Onuorah Offite, as tensions flared and deep-seated grievances exploded into the open following a bitter confrontation between step-siblings over the family’s property.

The incident, which has left the Ifite-Awkuzu community in Oyi Local Government Area abuzz, centers around a fierce dispute between Ikechukwu Onuorah Offite, a stepson of the late patriarch, and his stepsister, Ngozi Onuorah Offite, over alleged misappropriation and forceful acquisition of family assets.

Speaking to journalists amid visible signs of emotional distress, Ikechukwu leveled serious allegations against Ngozi, accusing her of not only seizing documents related to their father’s properties but also plotting to end his life. According to him, Ngozi, a married woman, has been relentless in her efforts to sideline him, his siblings, and his mother — the second wife of the deceased.

“She no longer stays in her husband’s house. Instead, she has made it her life’s mission to frustrate us,” Ikechukwu stated. “My mother is still in mourning — still wearing her mourning clothes — and yet, Ngozi beats her and harasses her constantly. It’s unbearable.”

The alleged confrontation reached its peak recently when Ngozi reportedly broke into the deceased’s apartment, where she is said to have retrieved documents relating to his estate while Ikechukwu was held in police custody — allegedly on her instigation.

“She took advantage of my detention to force her way into my father’s room and carted away all the documents relating to his properties,” he claimed.

Ikechukwu also accused Ngozi of unlawfully selling a plot of land that belonged to their late father, stating that the proceeds were shared exclusively between Ngozi and her biological brother — another step-sibling of Ikechukwu. This, he said, was done without the knowledge or consent of the rest of the family.

“Not only did she sell the land, but she also made sure the money was shared between her and her brother. We, the children from the second wife, were completely sidelined,” he added bitterly.

The feud has reportedly escalated to the point of physical violence, with community members intervening in multiple heated altercations. While Ngozi has yet to make any public statement regarding the allegations, family sources confirm that the matter is threatening to tear what remains of the Offite family apart.

Residents of Ifite-Awkuzu, many of whom were familiar with the late Onuorah Offite, described him as a respected elder and peacemaker. The current situation, they say, is a tragic contrast to the legacy he tried to uphold in his lifetime.

“This is not the kind of legacy Papa would have wanted,” said a neighbor who asked to remain anonymous. “He was a man who brought people together. It's heartbreaking to see his children fighting like this.”

The family crisis has now attracted the attention of local authorities, with calls growing for mediation and legal intervention to prevent the situation from escalating further. Community elders are also reportedly considering stepping in to broker peace between the warring parties.

As the legal dust begins to rise around the estate of the late Onuorah Offite, many are left wondering if resolution is possible, or if the family’s internal divisions have already been carved in stone.