Ranent Industries Company Ltd has issued this statement to address alarming recent accusations made by Fr. Edwin Obiora, who has fraudulently claimed that the property utilized as the Take-off Campus for Tansian University in Umunya, Anambra State, was purchased by the university. Such assertions are nothing but a baseless fabrication, as no agreement of any nature has ever been reached to transfer ownership of the property to Tansian University. The property remains the bona fide and legal asset of Ranent Industries Company Ltd, backed by all relevant Certificates of Occupancy and supporting documentation issued by the Anambra State government since 1982.
To provide context, this dispute originated in 2003 when Ranent Industries Company Ltd generously provided the aforementioned property to Tansian University, specifically to facilitate the university’s operational needs as it shifted toward the development of a permanent site in Umunya. However, following the university’s licensing in 2007, Tansian University made relentless, unfounded claims regarding the absolute ownership of the property. Consequently, Ranent Industries was compelled to take swift legal action, leading to the ejection of the university from the premises in 2008
In an effort to reach an amicable resolution, the two parties entered a Consent Judgment requiring Tansian University to pay an annual rent of N10 million to Ranent Industries. The Court in its judgement gave Tansian University a definite yearly, 2035 to vacate the property, not at its own pleasure. This agreement was formally documented in a competent High Court, ensuring its legitimacy and enforceability.
Despite this clear legal ruling, Fr Edwin Obiora, representing Tansian University, took matters into his own hands by bringing the previously settled Consent Judgment to court in 2018, thereby instigating a drawn-out legal battle. The court, however, reaffirmed the decision in favour of Ranent Industries, ordering Tansian University to settle its outstanding rent and vacate the property. The ruling also granted Ranent Industries the right to seize both movable and immovable property should the university fail to fulfill its obligations.
Unsatisfied with this outcome, the university then escalated the matter to the Appeal Court, where once again, the case was dismissed for lack of merit, affirming the integrity of the prevailing judgment. The ongoing legal battle has now reached the Supreme Court, where it awaits resolution.
In a particularly egregious turn of events, Fr Edwin Obiora has been disseminating false information, misleading the public by claiming that the ongoing matter is resolved and that he possesses legitimate ownership rights over the property. These actions not only amount to a blatant misrepresentation of the facts but also border on criminal activity. By actively engaging in deceitful practices to claim ownership of property he does not own, Fr. Edwin Obiora is perpetrating fraud. Under the laws governing fraudulent deception and misrepresentation, such conduct is prosecutable by law, and Ranent Industries Company Ltd reserves the right to pursue legal action against him for attempting to steal what rightfully belongs to them.
Furthermore, it must be highlighted that Fr. Edwin Obiora has no legitimate claim or authority regarding the operations of Tansian University. The actual ownership of the university is vested in late Msgr. Johnbosco Akam and Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka contributed their equities in securing operational license of the university in 2007. By positioning himself as an authority on behalf of Tansian University and claiming rights over this property, Rev. Fr. Obiora is nothing more than an impostor seeking to usurp control by fabricating false narratives and misleading the public.
The Board and Management of Ranent Industries Company Ltd wish to assert unequivocally that the property in question is indisputably the property of Ranent Industries Company Ltd, and any dealings surrounding it should be approached with extreme caution due to the prevailing legal proceedings. Individuals and entities dealing with Fr. Edwin Obiora in relation to the property does so at their own risk, as he lacks any legitimate authority or ownership in this matter.
In light of Fr. Edwin Obiora manipulative actions and attempts to undermine legal agreements and ownership rights, we call upon the public, stakeholders, and all parties to disregard his misleading claims. It is critical to uphold the integrity of the law and the rightful ownership established through proper channels. Ranent Industries Company Ltd remains devoted to protecting its rights and interests and is committed to following due process through the legal system to resolve this matter.
Signed:.
Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka
Chairman
Ranent Industries Company Ltd
Oba, Anambra State
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