The Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, has issued a stern warning against the indiscriminate sale of land across the kingdom, particularly along the fast-developing Bonny–Bodo Road corridor.
Speaking on Monday, April 27, at the Bonny Consulate Building, the monarch expressed deep concern over what he described as a troubling trend of land transactions, including sales to non-natives, following the growing economic prospects linked to the Bonny–Bodo Road project.
The king made the remarks while formally introducing Verraki and Partners, the firm tasked with developing a comprehensive Master Plan for the kingdom, to chiefs, stakeholders, and representatives of the various chieftaincy houses.
Describing the development as “very unfortunate,” the Amanyanabo cautioned that the kingdom would not hesitate to reclaim lands deemed necessary for strategic development under the Master Plan. He stressed that such measures would be taken in the collective interest of the community and future generations.
The monarch also challenged the notion of private land ownership within Bonny, describing such claims as unfounded. According to him, land in the kingdom should be preserved and must be managed in a way that supports sustainable development.
He urged residents and stakeholders to align with the broader vision of the Master Plan, warning that short-term gains from indiscriminate land sales could undermine long-term progress. The king emphasised that protecting land resources is critical to safeguarding the future of the Bonny Kingdom.
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