Community protests proposed acquisition of lands

Landlords and residents of Ogbe-Ezoti community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Friday protested the proposed acquisition of their land by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

They said the land, covered by age-long ancestral and monumental homes and shops, has existed for more than 600 years.

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The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t make us homeless; our ancestral lands are not for sale and not negotiable”; “We are proud of our inheritance and we voted for good governance, not for pains”.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Moses Obasuyi said the proposed acquisition of the area would destroy the rich traditional history and heritage of the Benin people as well as deprive families of their traditional ancestral land, and adversely impact many businesses in the area.

Recall that on March 7, 2022, Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) had sent a letter to the community with the title “Notice of Edo State Government’s intention for compulsory acquisition of land/revocation of the statutory right of occupancy of property for the overriding public interest.”