In a recent televised appearance on Symfoni TV from 3:53, distinguished human rights lawyer and veteran actor Kenneth Okonkwo addressed controversial claims about land ownership within the Igbo community, delivering a passionate defense against what he characterized as misinformed narratives.
Challenging prevailing misconceptions, Okonkwo provided a nuanced explanation of land distribution practices among Igbo people. “Now, do you sell land to your own people? No. Everybody has land. If you are a man in Igbo land, you’re entitled to a plot of land in your own land,” he stated emphatically.
The legal expert specifically criticized commentator Reuben Abati for spreading what he deemed unfounded allegations. Okonkwo argued that land transactions involving Igbo communities predominantly occur with non-Igbo individuals, directly contradicting widespread misunderstandings.
“If there was any land sold by Igbos, it is sold to people who are not Igbo,” Okonkwo asserted, highlighting the community’s internal land allocation principles.
Furthermore, the lawyer took direct aim at Abati’s public commentary, condemning what he perceived as reckless statements. “Then how can somebody ignorantly begin to make such statements? Ruben Abati simply celebrated his ignorance publicly,” Okonkwo declared.
Invoking fundamental legal principles, he emphasized the importance of due process and fair representation. “Let me tell you, he offended the legal profession because in law, you don’t condemn a people unheard. You cannot condemn a people without hearing from their side,” the lawyer concluded, underscoring the critical importance of balanced and informed discourse.
Okonkwo’s comprehensive rebuttal on Symfoni TV not only clarified land ownership practices but also challenged public narratives that he believes misrepresent the Igbo community’s social and legal norms.