Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to establish a commission of inquiry to address the longstanding land dispute in Oke-Oroma. The move aims to resolve years of tension stemming from the demolition of houses in the community under the previous administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, which claimed the land as state property.

The controversy began when the government alleged that the land had been sold without proper authorization, leading to significant unrest among residents and property owners.

Government’s Commitment to Justice

In a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo met with community leaders, residents, and victims of the demolitions in Benin City. He assured stakeholders of his administration’s commitment to justice, pledging to rectify any wrongs uncovered by the inquiry.

“I remember during my campaign, I promised to revisit this matter,” Okpebholo said. “Now I am here, and we will listen to your voices. In the next few days, I will invite you to the Government House to back my promises with action.”

Commission of Inquiry and Land Rights

The governor explained that the commission would investigate the circumstances surrounding the land dispute. He assured that if evidence showed that the land rightly belongs to the community and Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) were issued in error, his administration would revoke them and restore the land to its rightful owners.

“We will set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the issues surrounding this land. If findings confirm that these lands belong to the people and C of Os were wrongfully issued, I will revoke them and return the lands to their rightful owners,” Okpebholo stated.

Call for Peace and Security Measures

The governor appealed to residents to maintain peace and pledged to engage relevant security agencies to restore calm in the area.

“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.”

Hope Rekindled for Affected Residents

Governor Okpebholo’s intervention has rekindled hope among Oke-Oroma residents, many of whom have long sought resolution and justice regarding the contentious land ownership issues.

This development underscores the governor’s promise to address injustices and strengthen community trust in the government’s ability to ensure fairness and security in Edo State.