By Simeon OSAJIE
The long-drawn land dispute between former governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration and 1,550 victims of Demolished Structures at Oke-Oroma Community has been brought to an end as Governor Okpebhoo-led Edo Government through the Ministry of Land and Housing begun issuing allocation letters to eligible property owners for the return of 2,950 plots to genuine owners.
Commissioner for Land and Housing, Hon.Yakubu Musa who disclosed this in Benin City while speaking to journalists on the action of Governor Okpebholo said the hope of the victims of Oke-Oroma Community demolition has been restored.
The victims affected by the demolition exercise of September 21, 2022 all assembled at the Ministry of Land and Housing where their relevant documents were verified before issuing allocation letters to eligible property owners marking the commencement of reclaiming back their land.
Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Yakubu Musa who spoke with journalists on the need for the exercise said following the approval of Gov Monday Okpebholo to return Oke-Oroma Community land to the rightful owners, the Ministry commenced a one week event to authenticate true owners of properties in the community.
He noted that with this exercise, the lost hope of the people has been restored as 2,950 plots of land will be returned to 1,550 genuine owners at Oke-Oroma Community.
“Based on the approval of Governor Okpebholo to return the land seized by previous administration at Oke-Oroma to developers, and property owners, we commenced a one week exercise to authenticate true owners of the land and return the same.
“We have commenced giving out the offer letters as we have about 1,550 beneficiaries that will be given letters to cover 2,950 plots of land.
“While distributing offer letters to beneficiaries, surveyors have started working on the land to physically demarcate the plots while bulldozers are already cleaning the plots and by next week plots will be given back to the genuine owners.
“We commended the governor for showing that governance has a human face. Gov Okpebholo has brought joy to the heart of the people of Oke-Oroma Community who thought they had lost all their investments. He promised during the campaign that he would return the land to genuine owners and that process has already commenced. This exercise has shown that governor Okpebholo truly loves Edo people as he ensured justice is served for the people of the community”.
One of the victims of the demolition exercise Mr. Adebayo Benjamin Ogenelkhemeh who spoke with journalists after receiving his allocation letter described governor Monday Okpebholo as the restorer of lost hope, appreciating him for keeping his promises made during his campaign to the area.
“I am here at the Ministry of land and Housing regarding our landed property forcefully taken by the previous administration. We are here to go through the process of reclaiming our land. The process is very smooth and orderly despite the large numbers of people here”.
Ogenelkhemeh said Gov Okpebholo is a promise keeper because he promised us during his campaign and today that promise is now a reality. “I want to thank the governor who is a promise keeper, he said he will do it and today he has done it, I have received my allocation letter. I have lost hope of getting back my land after the land was taking I thought all hope was lost but Gov Okpebholo restored that hope”.
Mrs. Onose Onyegbulem who was also a victim commended governor Monday Okpebholo for keeping to his promises of returning the land back to them. “Thank you Governor Okpebholo, thank you for keeping your words of returning our land to us”
Efe Kennedy Ewemade another victim say September 21st, 2022 was a sad day for the people of Oke-Oroma Community as their properties were illegally demolished and land seized by Godwin Obaseki led administration.
He noted that the incident has resulted in the loss of lives of victims and some others who embarked on a peaceful protest were arrested by the administration of Godwin Obaseki for protesting illegal demolition of their properties.
“A lot of us lose our lives and peaceful protesters were arrested and spent six weeks in prison. We lived with this oppression all through these years but God sent Gov Okpebholo to rescue us from our years of plight.
“When the governor heard our issues he promised to step in assuring us that when he becomes governor he will return our land back to us. I am glad today that what was like a dream is now a reality. Our land is being returned back to us. God used governor Okpebholo to wipe our tears”.