Edo community raises alarm over alleged plot to revive Obaseki’s Coral City project… Accuse EDOGIS officials of undermining Okpebholo’s directives

BENIN CITY — Elders of Oke-Oroma Community in Edo State have raised alarm over what they described as a deliberate attempt by some officials of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) to revive the controversial Coral City project, initiated by the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

They alleged that the move, disguised as a “new urban development initiative,” is being orchestrated to frustrate the current government’s effort under Governor Monday Okpebholo to resolve long-standing land disputes in the area.

In a statement jointly signed by the Head of the community, Mr. Gaius Emokpae, and the Secretary, Mr. Monday Omorogiuwa, and made available to journalists in Benin City, the elders accused “certain elements” in EDOGIS of secretly working to restore the scrapped Coral City template through a newly registered firm, Edo New Towns Development Company Ltd.

According to the community, the new company allegedly has directors “close political allies, blood relatives, and friends” of top figures from the former administration.

"This is nothing but a continuation of the manipulative tendencies of the former government,” the statement read. “These individuals are hiding under government institutions to resurrect the Coral City project that Governor Okpebholo has already revoked.”

The elders recalled that Governor Okpebholo, shortly after his inauguration on November 12, 2024, had visited Oke-Oroma and assured the people that the state government would return their ancestral lands following the conclusion of investigations.

"The Governor told us that the Certificate of Occupancy issued to those who bought land under the Coral City project had been revoked and urged us to return home and commence lawful development,” Mr. Emokpae said.

The community leaders, however, expressed concern that despite the revocation, a bank account linked to the defunct Coral City project remains active, with fresh transactions reportedly conducted by EDOGIS officials in recent weeks.

They alleged that plots of land within the disputed area were being “re-offered to new buyers” under the guise of the newly established Edo New Towns Development Company.

The Oke-Oroma elders further accused the former administration of deliberately excluding their community in public communications while promoting Coral City, which they said was built on their ancestral land dating back to the 15th century.

They also referenced a controversial meeting allegedly held between former Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Osarodion Ogie, and the late Enogie of Obagie N’Vbuosa, HRH Stephen Imadomwanyi, where the latter was reportedly pressured to claim ownership of portions of Oke-Oroma land.

"It was a premeditated attempt to legitimize an illegal acquisition,” the statement added.

The community noted that the protracted land dispute, which began in 2012, had led to the loss of over 25 lives and destruction of property worth billions of naira in Oke-Oroma and neighboring communities, including Amagba, Obazagbon, and Obagie N’Vbuosa.

They warned that any attempt to revive the Coral City scheme or alter the governor’s directive could reignite tensions in the area.

The elders appealed to Governor Okpebholo to remain vigilant and ensure that “saboteurs within the system” do not derail his administration’s commitment to peace, justice, and fairness.

"We urge all those seeking personal gain to desist and join hands with the governor whose magnanimity and sincerity of purpose are already known to all Edo people,” they said.