The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to returning disputed land in Ikpoba Okha to the indigenous owners of the Oke Oroma community following the completion of the official layout process.
Governor Monday Okpebholo has reportedly directed swift action to expedite the survey and layout work on the land. The Commissioner for Land and Housing, Vincent Uwadia, who monitored the progress during an inspection tour, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the state surveyors and reiterated the government’s commitment to its decision.
Uwadia stated, “We are happy with what we have seen on the ground and the work is going on well. We are very impressed. From time to time we have to be coming more regularly than we used to do so that within a short period we should be able to return the land to the people.”
The community leadership, represented by Public Relations Officer Owie Festus Daniel, emphasized the urgency of returning the ancestral land. Head of the community, Pa Gaius Emokpae, commended the governor for providing earth grading equipment and tractors to all local government areas, describing the gesture as supportive of the community’s development.
Pa Emokpae also noted that the community plans to liaise with the chairman of Ikpoba Okha Local Government to further fast track the layout and ensure timely restitution of their ancestral lands.
The government’s initiative is seen as a step toward preserving indigenous land rights and promoting local development in Edo State.
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