The owners of the proposed G Plaza Hotels in Owerri have called on the Imo State Government to honour an existing out-of-court settlement and allow full possession of the property so business operations can finally begin.
The appeal was made by the hotel’s legal representative, Barrister Emeka Ihejirika, who addressed journalists in Owerri, urging Governor Hope Uzodimma to reopen negotiations and release the property to Senator Athan Achonu, the project owner.
According to Ihejirika, the multi-billion-naira development has remained stalled for 15 years due to prolonged disputes, government interference, and administrative delays despite multiple attempts at resolution.
He traced the dispute back to actions taken by former Governor Rochas Okorocha, who reportedly halted construction on the site after significant investment had already been made. Ihejirika said the original agreement involving a 60/40 land split between the state and Senator Achonu was later altered unilaterally.
He further stated that during the administration of former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, both parties reached an out-of-court settlement that remains valid but has not been fully implemented.
Ihejirika also noted that a court ruling in Owerri allegedly awarded ₦100 million in damages in favour of Senator Achonu, while describing the government’s appeal process as an attempt to delay final resolution.
Despite the prolonged dispute, he said the project has remained ready for completion and could significantly boost employment and economic activity in the state if allowed to operate.
The G Plaza Hotels complex is designed to include over 100 hotel rooms as well as production facilities for table water and tissue paper manufacturing, according to the legal representative.
He expressed frustration that the site continues to deteriorate despite repeated efforts to maintain it, adding that millions of naira are spent annually on sanitation, security, and maintenance to prevent encroachment and environmental damage.
Ihejirika appealed directly to the state government to resume dialogue, stressing that continued abandonment of the project represents a major economic loss for both investors and the state.
