Published: June 30, 2026
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The leadership of the House of Representatives on Monday began hearing a land ownership dispute involving Montserrado County District #6 Representative Samuel R. Enders and Odoshall Karnue, Chief Executive Officer of God’s Willing Business Center, as lawmakers seek clarity on a controversy that is also pending before the Civil Law Court.
The hearing followed a communication submitted by Rep. Enders requesting the intervention of the House leadership over the disputed property. In response, lawmakers invited both parties to appear and present their positions.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Karnue declined to comment on the merits of the case, insisting that the matter is sub judice and should be left to the court.
“The matter is before the court,” Karnue said. “Anything that is before the court cannot be discussed because whatever I say today could be used against me tomorrow.”
Karnue said he honored the House’s invitation out of respect for the Legislature but maintained that the ownership dispute is a civil matter that should be determined through the judicial process.
“I’m a private citizen and a businessman,” he said. “When the House leadership invited me, I respected the institution and appeared. But my position before the lawmakers was clear—the matter is before the court.”
According to Karnue, Monday’s hearing did not produce a final decision, with lawmakers expected to continue their review of the dispute.
“The process is still ongoing,” he said. “I believe they will invite us again.”
During the hearing, another individual appeared before lawmakers claiming ownership of the same parcel of land and presented documents to support his claim.
Karnue said it was the first time he had met the claimant.
“He said he is the legitimate owner of the land that Representative Enders and God’s Willing are disputing,” Karnue told reporters. “That was my first time seeing him.”
He also disclosed that individuals believed to be the original landowners attended the hearing accompanied by legal counsel but did not address lawmakers.
“They came because they were invited, but they did not speak,” he said, adding that they may be afforded an opportunity during a subsequent hearing.
Asked when the court proceedings are expected to conclude, Karnue said he could not provide a timeline because the matter remains on the court’s docket.
“There are many cases before the court,” he said. “When our case is scheduled, our lawyers will notify us.”
Beyond the dispute, Karnue called for stricter enforcement of Liberia’s land laws, arguing that multiple sales of the same parcel of land continue to fuel ownership disputes across the country.
“There are good laws already on the books, but implementation is weak,” he said. “The punishment for people who sell one piece of land to multiple buyers must be enforced because they continue to create confusion among citizens.”
The dispute between Representative Enders and God’s Willing Business Center has drawn significant public attention in recent weeks, prompting the lawmaker to formally petition the House leadership for intervention. While lawmakers have begun hearing from the parties, the ownership dispute remains before the Civil Law Court, where the legal rights of the parties will ultimately be determined.
Monday’s proceedings marked the first legislative hearing into the matter. The House leadership did not announce any findings or recommendations following the session, and additional hearings are expected as lawmakers continue reviewing the issues raised in Rep. Enders’ communication.
The case highlights Liberia’s longstanding challenge with land ownership disputes, which often involve competing claims, overlapping documentation and allegations of multiple sales of the same property, leaving the courts to determine rightful ownership.
Discussion about this post