The Edo State Government has begun the process of returning 2,950 plots of land to 1,550 victims whose properties were demolished at Oke-Oroma Community, bringing an end to a protracted land dispute that began under the administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Yakubu Musa, disclosed this in Benin City while briefing journalists, saying the intervention followed the approval of Governor Monday Okpebholo to restore seized lands to their rightful owners.
According to him, allocation letters are already being issued to verified beneficiaries.
Musa explained that the ministry conducted a one-week verification exercise to authenticate genuine property owners affected by the demolition of September 21, 2022.
“Based on the approval of Gov Okpebholo to return the land seized by the previous administration at Oke-Oroma, we commenced a one-week exercise to authenticate true owners of the land and return same,” he said.
He added, “We have about 1,550 beneficiaries who will be issued allocation letters covering 2,950 plots of land. Surveyors are already on the site demarcating plots, while bulldozers are clearing the land. By next week, the plots will be physically handed over to the genuine owners.”
The commissioner commended the governor for what he described as people-centred governance, noting, “Gov Okpebholo has brought joy to the hearts of the people of Oke-Oroma Community who thought they had lost all their investments. This exercise has shown that the governor truly loves Edo people and ensures justice is served.”
One of the beneficiaries, Adebayo Benjamin Ogenelkhemeh, described the governor as “a restorer of lost hope,” adding, “I had lost hope of getting my land back, but today that hope has been restored. The process is very smooth and orderly, and I have received my allocation letter.”
Another victim, Efe Kennedy Ewemade, recalled that the demolition exercise led to arrests and loss of lives, saying, “September 21, 2022 was a sad day for us.
“Some peaceful protesters were arrested and spent six weeks in prison. We lived with this oppression for years, but God used Gov Okpebholo to wipe our tears by returning our land.”
