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A dramatic land dispute has sparked tension in Ahenema Kokoben as Reuben Solomon Jabari, the NDC Branch Chairman for Island City, is forcefully pushing back against claims made by popular televangelist Prophet Ebenezer Adarkwa Yiadom, widely known as Opambour, that he has unlawfully seized his land.
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Prophet Opambour accused Mr. Jabari of grabbing two plots of land that belong to him. He claimed the incident occurred after the National Democratic Congress returned to power and suggested that his role in the party’s success had been repaid with betrayal.
“If you value peace, don’t step on that land,” the preacher warned. “Even chiefs will not be spared from divine punishment if they interfere.”
However, during a press engagement at the site of the land in dispute on Friday, April 11, Mr. Jabari dismissed the allegations as unfounded, dangerous, and part of an orchestrated attempt by Opambour to use religious power and public influence to intimidate him.
“Let me be clear: I didn’t steal anyone’s land. I bought these two plots through the proper legal process, and I have every document to prove my ownership,” Mr. Jabari declared. “Opambour is spreading lies to sway public opinion and scare me into backing down. It won’t work.”
According to Mr. Jabari, the land conflict began over two years ago—long before the most recent elections—contrary to Opambour’s claims that it is politically motivated.
“This isn’t about NDC or politics. It’s a personal legal issue. Opambour is twisting the narrative to make it look like the party is involved. That’s misleading.”
He further accused the prophet of manipulating traditional leaders by falsely claiming that his original land papers were missing, which allegedly led to new documents being reissued.
“He went to the chiefs and claimed he lost his documents. Based on that, they gave him fresh papers. But he never told them that I had already legally bought the land,” Jabari explained.
He also disclosed that the Asafohene has intervened multiple times by calling both parties for mediation at the Manhyia Palace. According to him, Opambour has refused to honor these invitations.
“This matter has been called to the palace more than eight times, but he has refused to show up. Yet he finds time to go on television and threaten chiefs and innocent people with spiritual curses,” he stated.
Mr. Jabari condemned what he described as the weaponization of religion and spiritual fear to suppress justice and abuse rights.
“Opambour wants to use God’s name and the pulpit to grab land. But I will not surrender to that kind of abuse. I’ll defend myself with every lawful means. If he’s confident, he should bring his documents and meet me at the palace or in court.”
He called on the public to disregard threats and allow due process to prevail.
“We’re a country of laws. You don’t settle land disputes by threatening fire and brimstone. You settle them with evidence. I’m ready. Is he?”
The land battle, which involves two well-known figures in the region, has attracted intense public interest. Calls are growing for the traditional council, local government authorities, and the courts to step in and settle the matter before tensions escalate.
