Edo Governor Okpebholo Fulfills Campaign Promise with Land Restoration Initiative
In a significant move to address historical grievances, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has officially reallocated 2,950 plots of land to 1,550 displaced property owners in the Oke-Oroma Community, located within the Oredo Local Government Area. This action reverses the demolition carried out on September 21, 2022, during the tenure of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, marking a pivotal moment in the state's land management and justice system.
Verification and Implementation Process
The Commissioner for Land and Housing, Hon. Yakubu Musa, announced this development in Benin on Friday, January 23, 2026, while distributing reallocation letters to verified beneficiaries. He detailed that the ministry conducted a rigorous one-week verification exercise to authenticate genuine property owners, ensuring that only those with valid documents received their plots back. This exercise is designed to restore hope to the 1,550 individuals who lost their land holdings, Musa emphasized, highlighting the governor's commitment to transparency and fairness.
Following Governor Okpebholo's approval, surveyors have already begun physically demarcating the plots, with bulldozers clearing the land to prepare for handover. Musa projected that by the next week, the plots would be fully returned to their rightful owners, demonstrating swift action on the governor's election campaign promise to rectify past injustices.
Community Response and Broader Implications
Beneficiaries, including Mr. Adebayo Benjamin Ogenelkhemeh, Mrs. Onose Onyegbulem, and Mr. Efe Kennedy Ewemade, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for keeping his word and restoring their properties. Their commendations underscore the positive impact of this initiative on community trust and social cohesion. This land restoration effort not only addresses individual losses but also sets a precedent for accountable governance in Edo State, potentially influencing future policies on property rights and urban development.
By prioritizing justice for the Oke-Oroma residents, Governor Okpebholo's administration reinforces its dedication to the welfare of Edo people, fostering a sense of stability and hope in the region. This move is expected to have lasting effects on local real estate dynamics and public confidence in state institutions.
