News Summary
Samuel Onwujiobi, a retired Navy officer in Jacksonville, has triumphed in a legal dispute against the Westland Communities Association regarding his RV garage. A Duval County judge ruled in his favor, ordering the HOA to cease actions against his garage and to cover his attorney’s fees. Despite this victory, the HOA is appealing the ruling. Onwujiobi’s conflicts with the HOA began after he built the garage, believing he had received the necessary approvals. The situation has caused him considerable stress as he seeks a peaceful resolution.
Jacksonville: Retired Navy Officer Samuel Onwujiobi Wins Legal Battle Against HOA Over RV Garage, But Dispute Continues
Samuel Onwujiobi, a retired Navy officer, has successfully won a legal battle against the Westland Communities Association (HOA) regarding a garage built for his recreational vehicle (RV) at his Jacksonville home. On August 2025, a Duval County judge ruled in Onwujiobi’s favor, ordering the HOA to stop enforcement actions against his garage and to cover nearly $7,000 in attorney’s fees. Despite this ruling, the HOA is currently appealing the decision and has refused to pay the attorney’s fees.
The conflict began when Onwujiobi constructed an RV garage at his residence on Cliff Cottage Drive in 2023, believing he had received full approval from the HOA. Documents presented by Onwujiobi include an approval email from the HOA and a building permit from Duval County, supporting his claim of proper authorization for the structure. However, months after the construction was completed, the HOA reversed its stance, issuing violation letters that threatened daily fines unless the garage was removed.
Onwujiobi described the garage as a “retirement upgrade,” emphasizing his frustration with the HOA’s actions. He indicated that he had fought for the liberties he now wishes to enjoy in his retirement. The legal quarrel has caused him significant stress, leading him to implore the HOA to either compensate for the cost associated with removing the garage or to adhere to the court’s ruling.
The garage represented a significant investment for Onwujiobi, costing approximately $26,000 to build. Interestingly, he has since sold the RV that led to the initial dispute, highlighting a shift in his priorities amid the ongoing conflict with the HOA.
Current Developments
As the situation stands, the HOA’s attorney, Bryan Davis, has commented on the association’s legal obligations, stating that the HOA must enforce its covenants uniformly across all homeowners. This system is intended to ensure that rules are applied consistently, regardless of individual circumstances. However, the continued pursuit of appeal by the HOA suggests an unwillingness to resolve the matter amicably, according to Onwujiobi.
Onwujiobi has expressed concern that the HOA president appears more interested in prolonging the dispute rather than finding a resolution. He expressed the hope that the matter could be settled and emphasized the need for the HOA to honor the court’s decision. He encouraged all parties involved to “let sleeping dogs lie,” indicating his desire for the conflict to come to an end and for him to live peacefully in his home.
Background Context
Homeowners associations (HOAs) are established to manage residential communities and to enforce rules regarding property modifications and community standards. However, disputes between homeowners and their HOAs are not uncommon, often arising from misunderstandings regarding property rights and approval processes. In this case, Onwujiobi’s experience illustrates a broader issue faced by many homeowners who navigate the complex landscape of HOA regulations and governance.
The outcome of this ongoing dispute could set a precedent for similar conflicts in the community and may influence how HOAs handle approvals and enforcement in the future. As the appeal process unfolds, both Onwujiobi and the HOA remain in a contentious standoff, with each side holding firm to their respective positions.
As the situation develops, Onwujiobi continues to advocate for resolution and peace within his community, highlighting the importance of understanding and communicating effectively in matters involving property ownership and local governance.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: RV Garage Dispute
- First Coast News: Divine Dispute
- Action News Jax: Young Person Struck by Car
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homeowners Association
- Action News Jax: Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute’s Closures
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.
