Inside Edo
Edo begins return of 2,950 plots to victims of 2022 Oke-Oroma demolitions
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
24 Jan 2026 05:58 AM
Benin, Edo – In a significant development resolving a years-long land dispute, the Edo State Government has commenced the issuance of allocation letters to eligible property owners in Oke-Oroma Community, paving the way for the return of 2,950 plots of land.
The move brings closure to the controversy surrounding the demolition of structures in the community on September 21, 2022, during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The exercise affected approximately 1,550 victims whose homes and properties were demolished as part of a broader reclamation drive that also impacted areas such as Irhirihi, Arougba, Obazagbon, and Ogheghe.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Yakubu Musa, announced that the process followed Governor Monday Okpebholo's approval to restitute the land to its rightful owners.
Musa emphasized that the victims' hope has now been restored, describing the initiative as a fulfillment of the current administration's commitment to justice and restitution.
"The hope of the victims of the Oke-Oroma Community demolition has been restored," Musa stated.
He explained that affected individuals assembled at the ministry, where their documents were thoroughly verified before allocation letters were issued.
The ministry had earlier conducted a one-week authentication exercise to confirm the legitimate owners.
The demolitions in 2022 sparked intense political tensions between the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under Obaseki and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), with accusations of overreach and disregard for due process.
Reports from the time indicated that over 100 buildings were razed across multiple communities as part of the state's land reclamation efforts.
Under the new administration of Governor Okpebholo, who took office following the 2024 elections, the return of the land has been framed as a corrective measure. The governor's approval has enabled the ministry to prioritize verified claimants, marking a key step in addressing grievances from the previous demolitions.
Beneficiaries are now receiving their allocation letters, with collection processes reportedly beginning around January 22, 2026, for certain lots.
The development has been welcomed by many in the affected community as a long-awaited resolution.
This action underscores the Okpebholo administration's focus on land restitution and community reconciliation in Edo State, potentially setting a precedent for handling similar disputes from past governance periods.
The move brings closure to the controversy surrounding the demolition of structures in the community on September 21, 2022, during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The exercise affected approximately 1,550 victims whose homes and properties were demolished as part of a broader reclamation drive that also impacted areas such as Irhirihi, Arougba, Obazagbon, and Ogheghe.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Yakubu Musa, announced that the process followed Governor Monday Okpebholo's approval to restitute the land to its rightful owners.
Musa emphasized that the victims' hope has now been restored, describing the initiative as a fulfillment of the current administration's commitment to justice and restitution.
"The hope of the victims of the Oke-Oroma Community demolition has been restored," Musa stated.
He explained that affected individuals assembled at the ministry, where their documents were thoroughly verified before allocation letters were issued.
The ministry had earlier conducted a one-week authentication exercise to confirm the legitimate owners.
The demolitions in 2022 sparked intense political tensions between the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under Obaseki and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), with accusations of overreach and disregard for due process.
Reports from the time indicated that over 100 buildings were razed across multiple communities as part of the state's land reclamation efforts.
Under the new administration of Governor Okpebholo, who took office following the 2024 elections, the return of the land has been framed as a corrective measure. The governor's approval has enabled the ministry to prioritize verified claimants, marking a key step in addressing grievances from the previous demolitions.
Beneficiaries are now receiving their allocation letters, with collection processes reportedly beginning around January 22, 2026, for certain lots.
The development has been welcomed by many in the affected community as a long-awaited resolution.
This action underscores the Okpebholo administration's focus on land restitution and community reconciliation in Edo State, potentially setting a precedent for handling similar disputes from past governance periods.
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