Chief Damian Ejiamatu Enekwechi has denied allegations of forceful eviction levelled against him by his younger sister, Mrs. Ndidi Mbelu, describing the claims as misleading and politically motivated.
Reacting to an earlier report in which Mrs. Mbelu alleged that she was unlawfully evicted from their late father’s residence at No. 25 Enekwechi Avenue, Ngodo-Nise, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Enekwechi said the claims were false and did not reflect the true situation.
According to him, the building in question is an old family house undergoing renovation to improve its structural condition.
He explained that he informed his sister of the renovation plans well in advance and provided her with ₦1.5 million to secure temporary accommodation pending the completion of the project.
Speaking alongside his younger brother, Mr. Celestine Enekwechi, Chief Damian—who is named after their late father—said the decision to renovate the building followed repeated appeals from family members.
He noted that the property had significantly deteriorated since 2005 and required urgent rehabilitation.
He explained that the two-storey building comprises six flats which were originally allocated to the children of the late Chief Enekwechi, adding that most of the beneficiaries had since relocated elsewhere.
Chief Enekwechi stated that as early as December 2025, he formally informed Mrs. Mbelu of his intention to commence renovation before the rainy season. In addition to the ₦1.5 million financial support, he disclosed that their uncle, Professor Emmanuel Enekwechi, also offered Mrs. Mbelu an alternative building to stay in temporarily during the renovation period.
Denying claims of forceful entry or removal of personal belongings, Chief Enekwechi insisted that he never entered his sister’s apartment and did not authorise anyone to tamper with her property.
He said the contractors were strictly instructed to operate within the scope of renovation work.
He further disclosed that he honoured a police invitation following a petition filed by his sister. According to him, police officers subsequently inspected the alternative accommodation provided for Mrs. Mbelu and were satisfied with the arrangements.
Chief Enekwechi expressed concern that the ongoing controversy had slowed down the renovation work, noting that the contractors were operating within a limited timeframe ahead of the rainy season.
“I have no interest in taking over the building,” “I live in my own private residence. My only concern is to ensure that the family house is made structurally sound and safe.”he said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Umunwufor Family, Nise, Mr. Uchenna Alex Enekwechi, confirmed that the family was fully aware of the renovation exercise and described it as necessary. He urged Mrs. Mbelu to cooperate with the family and relocate temporarily to allow the work to proceed smoothly.
A family relation, Mrs. David Azugwo, clarified that a two-bedroom apartment located close to the family house had been provided for Mrs. Mbelu by their uncle as temporary accommodation. She stated that the apartment has water and electricity, is comfortable, and is comparable in structure to the flat currently under renovation.
She appealed to Mrs. Mbelu to relocate temporarily in the interest of the family.
Another relative, Chief Obi Udeze, corroborated the claims, stating that the house had deteriorated over the years and required urgent repairs.
He confirmed that both financial assistance and alternative accommodation had been made available to Mrs. Mbelu.
On his part, the site engineer, Mr. Chike Nkwocha, said renovation work commenced earlier in the week and includes structural reinforcement, toilet installations, and fencing. He noted that work on one of the flats had been slowed due to the presence of personal belongings inside but denied any damage to property.
The matter, according to family members, remains under internal resolution. Chief Damian Enekwechi maintained that the renovation was undertaken in good faith to preserve the family property and that all necessary arrangements had been made for Mrs. Mbelu’s temporary relocation.
During a visit to the family compound in Nise, workers were observed conveying construction materials and carrying out renovation work on the two-storey building.
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