in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local
Government Area of Enugu State
FEATURED PAPER
By Onyebuchi Idoko and Prof Nnamdi Alex Udobi
Department of Estate Management
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Awka, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This study examines the land tenure system in Enugu Ezike, Igbo Eze Local Government, Nigeria, with a focus on the customary land tenure system, historical land tenure pattern, changes in inheritance pattern and its implications for land use, economic development, and social stability. The research reveals that the land tenure system in Enugu Ezike has undergone little changes as regards gender inclusive ownership and modifications to land tenure practices. The study also highlights the differences and similarities between the Land Use Act of 1978 and the land tenure system in Enugu Ezike, including government control, land allocation, and land registration. The findings of this study have important implications for land administration, conflict resolution, and sustainable development in Enugu Ezike and beyond. Recommendations include harmonizing traditional and modern institutions, recognizing customary rights, gender inclusive reform programs and community engagement in particular the traditional land leaders.
KEYWORDS: Land Use Act, Land tenure, traditional Land Use, Ownership, Inheritance, Concepts, Analysis, Enugu Ezike
INTRODUCTION
Land, a significant resource that is considered as one of the three main factors of production, alongside labor and capital. Land is defined as the “earth’s surface, including its natural resources, boundaries, and everything that is attached to it, whether artificial or naturally occurring.” The term land also encompasses more than just the physical space but also includes natural endowments, such as soil, water, minerals and vegetation. Furthermore, land is an essential aspect of property development, management, and planning, and its value is determined by various factors such as location, economic factors, regulatory factors and other factors such as scarcity, speculation.
Land tenure system refers to the set of laws, customs, and practices that govern the rights to own, use and manage land. It defines who has the right to control and make decisions about a piece of land, as well as the rights, responsibilities and restrictions associated with land ownership or use. The land tenure system has significant implications on land use and access to resources, economic development, and social stability.
The land tenure system in Enugu Ezike, Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria, reflects a complex interplay between traditional customs and modern statutory regulations. Like many parts of southeastern Nigeria, land in Igbo Eze North is predominantly governed by customary law, where land is held communally and passed down through family lineage, In addition, access to land was typically granted through inheritance, community allocation, or marriage, with local customs guiding usage and ownership rights.
Historically, land in Enugu Ezike was managed through customary tenure systems, where land was considered a communal resource and controlled by families, kindreds, or traditional rulers (Obioha, 2012). Furthermore, rights to land are usually acquired through inheritance, allocation by community heads or marriage. The statutory system as type of tenure system in Nigeria is governed by the Land Use Act (LUA) of 1978, which centralizes land administration under the control of state governors (Omotola, 1988). This act was introduced to standardize land tenure, reduce disputes, and facilitate equitable access to land for development purposes. Under the LUA, individuals and entities can obtain land rights through statutory grants, leases, and certificates of occupancy (Aluko and Amidu, 2006). The traditional institutions, such as family heads and community elders, play a central role in land allocation, inheritance, and dispute resolution (Onuoha, 2008).
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How to cite this paper: Idoko, O. and Udobi, N.A. (2025). Comparison of Land Use Act and Traditional Land Use in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State; PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue VI, June. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/pmwj153-Jun2025-Idoko-Udobi-Comparison-of-Land-Use-Act-and-Traditional-Land-Use.pdf
About the Authors
ONYEBUCHI IDOKO
Awka, Anambra State
Onyebuchi Idoko is an Associate Member of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (ANIVS) and a Registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers (RSV). He has published national and international journals. He received both bachelor’s and master’s degree in Estate Management from Abia State University, Uturu and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He is Principal Consultant at Idoko and Associates, a firm of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Nigeria. He can be contacted at idokofor1980@gmail.com
PROF. ALEX NNAMDI UDOBI
Awka, Anambra State
Prof. Nnamdi Alex Udobi is a Former Head, Department of Estate Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. An Associate Member of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (ANIVS) and a Registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers (RSV). He has published national and international journals. A reader in Estate Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. He is Principal Consultant at Alex Udobi and Company, a firm of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Nigeria
