Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has revealed plans to establish a commission of inquiry to resolve the ongoing land dispute in the Oke-Oroma community. The move comes after years of tension, which intensified when the previous administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki demolished several houses in the area, claiming the land was state-owned and had been sold without proper authorization.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo shared that he met with community leaders, residents, and victims of the demolitions in Benin City, the state capital, on Tuesday. Accompanied by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, the governor assured stakeholders that the commission would thoroughly investigate the issue and make recommendations based on its findings.
“We will listen to your voices,” Okpebholo told the gathered crowd. “In the next few days, I will invite you to the Government House to back my promises with action.” He reiterated his commitment to justice, pledging to rectify any injustices uncovered during the inquiry.
The governor further stated, “We will set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the issues surrounding this land. If the findings confirm that these lands belong to the people and Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) were wrongfully issued, I will revoke them and return the lands to their rightful owners.”
Okpebholo also called on residents to maintain peace as the investigation unfolds. “Our responsibility as a government is to provide security,” he said. “I will engage the appropriate authorities to ensure security personnel are deployed here to restore peace.”
The governor’s pledge has renewed hope among the affected residents, who have long sought a resolution to the ongoing land ownership dispute.
