Demolition: Land developers threaten legal action against Edo Government

Picture of the protesting land developers and residents of Oke-Oroma, Obagie Nevbosa other communities protesting against the demolition of their houses by the Edo State Government

 

By Editor

October 17, 2022

Land developers in four communities in Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo State has threatened a legal action against the state government over the demolition of their houses

DailyMonitorngr reports that the four communities are Oke-Oroma, Obagie Nevbosa, Obayantor 1,  and Ewhrekpen .

The threat came barely about three weeks after their  houses were demolished by the state government over alleged land grabbing.

Ojo Collins, the spokesperson of the developers made the disclosure on Tuesday during a protest in Benin City.

Collins said he lost property worth over N100 million.

While noting that he genuinely acquired his lands after due consultation with the EdoGis  called 

for an unreserved apology from the government.

He also want the state government to refrain from calling them land grabbers as they consulted the EdoGis before buying lands in the community.

"We want the state government to tender unresolved apology to the victims as well as pay us compensation. 

"The government should change the narratives that we are land grabbers. We  bought my land genuinely. I and others pay taxes to  the state government EdoGis before they gave us permission to buy land there.

" I acquired my lands in 2017 and 2022. We also want protection for all those that buy land there. The money I lost if I am to quantify it it should be over N100million", he added.

Also speaking Comrade Curtis Ogbebor, national coordinator of freedom ambassador organization called on the state governor, Godwin Obaseki to immediately commence the payment of compensation to the affected communities 

Ogbebor who spoke for the affected communities described the action of the state government illegal.

He  noted that the state high court had in its ruling before the demolition restrained the state government from demolishing the property.

Ogbebor,who is also the interim coordinator general Edo civil society organizations said about 500 houses including churches and factories were demolished by the government.

"We are here as a civil society and concerned citizens in solidarity with the people of Oke-Oroma, Obagie Nevbosa, Obayantor 1,  and Ewhrekpen communities  to register our displeasure on the manner in which the Edo State government led by the governor Obaseki forcefully acquired about 1,229 hectares of land and subsequent demolition of houses, churches and factories without following due process.

"There are laid down procedures, specifically sections 33 & 34 of the Nigeria consultation  clearly states, and give processes on how to acquire property in such context which include due consultations and payment of compensation to those whose properties were destroyed",he added.

He said the indigenes inherited the land from their forefathers and  had lived in the communities for over 200 years.

.

Ogbebor, however, urged the state government to have a round table discussion with the affected communities and also pay  compensation.