News Summary
Retired Navy officer Samuel Onwujiobi is in a legal dispute with the Westland Communities Association over an RV garage he built at his home. Despite initial approval, the HOA reversed its decision, sending violation letters and threatening fines. A recent court ruling favored Onwujiobi, but the HOA plans to appeal, keeping the conflict unresolved. This case underscores the tension between HOA rules and individual rights.
Jacksonville – A local retired Navy officer, Samuel Onwujiobi, is embroiled in an ongoing legal dispute with the Westland Communities Association (HOA) over the construction of an RV garage at his home on Cliff Cottage Drive. Despite having obtained prior approval for the project, the HOA has reversed its decision, leading to significant tension between Onwujiobi and the homeowners’ association.
Onwujiobi built the garage in 2023, believing he was in full compliance with HOA regulations. He presented documents to support his claim, including an email from the HOA indicating approval and a building permit issued by Duval County. However, months after the garage’s completion, the HOA sent Onwujiobi violation letters and threatened him with daily fines unless the structure was removed.
Frustration has mounted for Onwujiobi, who intended the garage as a part of his retirement lifestyle. He expressed a desire to enjoy his hard-earned freedoms after serving in the military. In August 2025, Onwujiobi saw a legal victory when a Duval County judge ruled in his favor, instructing the HOA to halt its enforcement actions and awarding Onwujiobi nearly $7,000 in legal fees. However, the HOA has since indicated its intention to appeal the judgment, prompting further conflict.
As the situation develops, the HOA president has confirmed a commitment to pursue the case through legal channels. Onwujiobi has stated his preference for either compensation for the garage’s removal costs or compliance with the court’s decision. The financial implications of building the garage have been considerable for Onwujiobi, with costs approximating $26,000, inclusive of concrete work.
HOA attorney Bryan Davis articulated that the case emphasizes the association’s responsibility to uniformly enforce its covenants among homeowners. He refrained from providing further comments, citing the ongoing litigation. The HOA maintains that its actions are driven by a fiduciary responsibility to uphold community rules, despite the court ruling in favor of Onwujiobi.
In an unexpected development, Onwujiobi has sold the RV that sparked the original dispute with the HOA. He remarked on the potential for the HOA president to continue pursuing the matter despite the court’s decision, suggesting that it might be better for all parties to move on. The ongoing appeal process indicates that the conflict between Onwujiobi and the HOA is far from resolved, leaving the matter uncertain for the foreseeable future.
The case highlights issues common in community associations, where property owners and HOAs may have differing interpretations of regulations and covenants. It brings into focus the balance between enforcing community standards and respecting individual homeowner rights, particularly in unique circumstances like those faced by Onwujiobi.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: RV Garage Dispute
- TCPalm: Police Statement on HOA Dispute
- Action News Jax: Mayor Responds to City Council
- Wikipedia: Homeowners’ Association
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homeowners Association
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
