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.
The measure is aimed at ending the protracted land dispute, which began under the administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki.
The commissioner for Lands and Housing, Yakubu Musa, who briefed journalists on the development in Benin City, said it followed the approval of Governor Monday Okpebholo to restore seized lands to their rightful owners.
According to him, allocation letters were being issued to verified beneficiaries.
Musa explained that the ministry conducted a week-long exercise to authenticate genuine property owners affected by the demolition of September 21, 2022.
“Based on the approval of Governor Okpebholo to return the land seized by the previous administration at Oke-Oroma, we commenced a one-week exercise to authenticate the actual owners of the land and return the same.
“We have about 1,550 beneficiaries who will be issued allocation letters covering 2,950 plots of land. Surveyors are on the site demarcating the plots, while bulldozers are clearing the land.
By next week, the plots will be physically handed over to the genuine owners,” he said.
The commissioner commended the governor for what he described as people-centered governance, noting, “Okpebholo has brought joy to 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.”
