By Editor
Governor Monday Okpebholo has sparked controversy by reversing several land revocations made by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, restoring prime properties to former Delta State Governor James Ibori, Captain Nogie Megisson, and others.
According to a statement released by Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Governor Okpebholo has reinstated the Certificate of Occupancy for land in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) of Benin City, previously held by Chief James Ibori. This land was revoked by former Governor Obaseki and subsequently allocated to Hon. Mathew Iduoriyekemwen.
Similarly, Governor Okpebholo has restored the Certificate of Occupancy to Captain Nogie Megisson, whose land was also revoked by Obaseki.
The Okpebholo administration alleges that these revocations were "maliciously and politically motivated," and that such actions are "repugnant to civility, natural justice, equity and good conscience." The statement further asserts that numerous other land revocations carried out by the previous administration followed a similar pattern and are considered "ineffectual and barren."
"It is Governor Monday Okpebholo's position that public goods cannot be sacrificed at the altar of political considerations," stated Commissioner Ohonbamu.
The decision has already ignited debate within the state, with supporters of Governor Okpebholo praising the move as a correction of past injustices, while critics question the timing and potential political implications of the reversals. The former Governor Obaseki is yet to release a statement regarding the reversal of these land revocations.
The restoration of these properties signals a significant departure from the policies of the previous administration and raises questions about future land management practices in Edo State.
