The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to returning disputed land to the indigenes of Oke Oroma Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area once the layout process is completed.
On Friday, Commissioner of Land and Housing, Vincent Uwadia, led a team to inspect the progress of the land return, following directives from Governor Monday Okpebholo to fast-track the layout completion.
Speaking during the visit, Uwadia said, “We are happy with what we have seen on the ground and the work is going on well.
We are very impressed. From time to time we have to be coming more regularly than we used to do so that within a short period we should be able to return the land to the people.
I want you to know that the government is committed to returning the land as soon as the layout is completed.”
Pa Gaius Emokpae, head of the community, praised the government’s efforts at ensuring peace and assured the governor of the community’s continued support.
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Represented by Owie Festus Daniel, the Community Public Relations Officer, and Osasco Osadolor, Assistant Secretary, Emokpae emphasized the importance of fulfilling the community’s request for the return of their ancestral land.
He also commended the recent distribution of equipment and tractors across local government areas and said the community would liaise with the Ikpoba-Okha chairman to help fast-track the layout process.
Uwadia’s visit was the third since he assumed office in recent weeks, an effort the community described as commendable.
He was accompanied by Edo State Commissioner of Security, Festus Ebea, and the Chief Security Officer to the governor.
Earlier, on January 23, the Edo State Government had begun issuing allocation letters to eligible property owners for the return of 2,950 plots at Oke-Oroma Community, ending a long-standing land dispute between the former Godwin Obaseki administration and 1,550 residents affected by demolished structures.