Edo Govt Moves to Reclaim Public Lands, Restore Urban Order

In a bold reaffirmation of its commitment to restoring order and safeguarding public property, the Edo State Government has begun a comprehensive clampdown on illegal structures and land encroachments across the state, beginning with Akoko-Edo Local Government Area and parts of Benin City.

This move was announced during a community engagement held at the Staff Quarters of the Akoko-Edo Local Government Council Secretariat in Igarra. The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by Hon. Eugene Okolose, Coordinator of the Committee on Protection of Government Properties, addressed the rising spate of land encroachment around the council premises. He emphasized that the lands in question are constitutionally owned by the government and will be reclaimed for public use.

“Under the 1999 Constitution, all government-acquired lands remain the property of the state and cannot be claimed by individuals, no matter the circumstances,” Okolose noted. He cautioned against transactions involving non-state actors who sell government property to unsuspecting buyers, describing the practice as criminal and punishable under the law.

The engagement followed a formal petition by the Local Government Council, seeking state intervention to address illegal occupation of its lands. The Acting Council Chairman, Rt. Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, through his political adviser Hon. Stephen Ehihi, lauded the swift response of the state and appealed for lasting measures to prevent future incursions.

Responding on behalf of the Oshionogu family, Chief Dania Folorunsho acknowledged that their ancestors had historically donated land to various government agencies for development and appealed for compensation from the council.

Meanwhile, in Benin City, a coordinated demolition of illegal shanties began at Dumez Junction along Sapele Road. The exercise, carried out by officials of the Development and Building Control Agency and security personnel, is part of a larger urban renewal strategy aimed at beautifying the city and reducing criminal hideouts.

According to Town Planner Henry Enabulele, who led the exercise on behalf of the agency’s Managing Director, Hon. Igabali Imoisili Darlington, “These structures are not only illegal but have also become havens for criminal elements. We’ve served multiple eviction notices, and the time has come to reclaim these spaces for the safety and aesthetic value of our state.”

He added that the agency will work with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, and the Parks and Gardens department to transform the cleared spaces into green areas and recreational spots.

Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE agenda—focused on security, housing, infrastructure, new economy, and education—is gaining traction as his administration intensifies efforts to ensure Edo remains clean, secure, and development-ready.