Oke-Oreoma Property Owners Hail Okpebholo for Reclaiming Demolished Assets

Property owners in Oke-Oreoma Community, Edo State, have commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for restoring properties demolished under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The commendation was made in Benin City by the coordinator of the group, Hon. Collins Ojo, while speaking with journalists. 

He said the affected properties were pulled down in 2022 by the previous administration, leaving many residents displaced and distressed.

According to Ojo, the intervention of the Okpebholo administration has brought relief to the community, following the setting up of a committee to address the matter and restore the properties to their rightful owners.

“We are here to appreciate the Governor of Edo State because the committee he set up to restore our properties has been doing its job diligently.

The entire process has been very peaceful, and we want the public to know that we are very happy that the government remembered us,” he said.

Ojo described Governor Okpebholo as a leader who has shown fairness and compassion, noting that the governor has been “a father to all” without discrimination. 

He urged members of the public to disregard reports of a petition allegedly written by one Maya against the state government over the disputed land.

He alleged that attempts were being made by certain individuals and interests to stall the restoration process through petitions and court actions, adding that the claims lacked merit.

“Some people filed reports from 49 and all that, trying to stop the state government from going through this process. 

When we asked who was behind it, we were told it was a company owned by a mayor or an Alhaji. We want to beg the Governor to please disregard those reports,” Ojo said.

He further alleged that available records show that the said Alhaji had already sold all his land in the community and therefore had no legal claim to any portion of the disputed property.

“It was originally farmland, and he sold everything. We do not understand why he is now suing the state government for carrying out this restoration process,” he added.

Ojo appealed to the state government not to be distracted by petitions or pressure aimed at derailing what he described as a just cause, urging the authorities to remain steadfast in restoring the affected properties.

He also called on the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to continue supporting the community by ensuring sustained public awareness until all properties are fully restored.

Speaking further, Ojo urged the government to continue engaging the host community to ensure an inclusive process that satisfies all stakeholders. 

He expressed appreciation to Hon. Festus Alehe, Mr. Ade and other individuals who, according to him, have stood by the community throughout the struggle.

“We thank everyone who has been there for us. God bless you all, and it shall be well with you,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming the community’s support for Governor Okpebholo, describing his administration as a rescue mission for Edo people.

“Now we know who you are. You are here to rescue Edo people, and we will not relent in appreciating you,” Ojo said.