AFTER a long standing claim of ownership over the Manaoba airport between the Lolo Tribe and Aebusu Tribe, Aebusu Tribe has finally been declared dual landowners this week.

This High Court ruling came after a long disputation of ownership by the Lolo Tribe as the sole landowning tribe of Manaoba that has now become null and void.

This means, Lolo Tribe and Aebusu Tribe are both (dual) landowners of Manaoba airport.

Spokesperson and Secretary of the Aebusu Tribe, George Geusi Maenu’u made a brief statement based on the ruling on outspoken Facebook group, Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) stating so.

Lawyer of the Aebusu Tribe, Donald Marahare told Island Sun yesterday that the post on FSII is basically true to the extent that the Court in its ruling delivered on Wednesday this week, upheld the validity of a consent order made between Late Paul Maenu’u (Aebusu Tribe) and Late Gabriel Ramo (Lolo Tribe).

The consent order made between the now deceased duo was made in a land appeal case before the High Court in 1999.

Frank Daoga, brother of the deceased Late Gabriel Ramo has been following up issues on behalf of the Lolo Tribe whilst Hardyson Maenu’u now represents his father, Late Paul Maenu’u – Aebusu Tribe.

“Effectively, the consent order that was upheld by the court on Wednesday placed both Hardyson’s group and the other party on equal footing in terms of the legal ownership of the disputed land now a registered land,” said Lawyer Donald Marahare.

The Aebusu’s legal advisor then added that the ruling is very important to the Tribe (his clients) because this proceeding before the High Court will eventually have to determine in the near future whether or not the register in respect of the Perpetual Estate over the disputed land would be rectified.

“With that ruling in hand, Hardyson’s group stands a good chance to eventually get an order for rectification,” Marahare further added.

This proceeding now before the court was instituted by Late Paul Maenu’u after the other group in defiance of the consent order made in 1999 dealt with the Commissioner of Lands (apparently without Late Maenuu’s consent and knowledge) for the acquisition of that land that now accommodates the Manaoba airport.

Late Maenuu’s group asserted in their claim filed in the proceeding that the Perpetual Estate was registered in the names of the representatives of the other party contrary to the consent order of 1999.

Donald Marahare then told Island Sun that given his obligation to his clients, he cannot disclose more than what he already has told the paper.

When Island Sun sought comments from the Lolo Tribe’s Lawyer, Gary Faitoa, yesterday, he responded via text message saying, “Sorry can’t comment yet until we have seen the written ruling and my client gives instruction.”

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation Moses Virivolomo also confirmed to the paper this week that the taskforce setup to deal with Manaoba airport met with the tribes to discuss and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

Based on consensus, should the tribes and all relevant parties come to a mutual agreement, Manaoba airport could be opened by April (next month) this year.