The people of Amagba Adolor community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State have staged a protest march to appeal to the state government and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to intervene in a land dispute that threatens to escalate into a communal crisis.
BenriNews reports that the community members took their grievances to the Edo State Government House and the Palace of the Oba of Benin on Tuesday in Benin City, alleging that their ancestral land has been illegally taken over by people they described as "strangers" from Okoroma.
Community Leadership Speaks Out
The protest was led by Pa Joseph Iduoyekemwen, the Odionwere (most senior man) of Amagba Adolor community, who expressed strong displeasure over what he described as illegal occupation of Emokpae Camp by Okoroma people.
According to Iduoyekemwen, the settlers have renamed Emokpae Camp as "Okoroma community" and are now claiming ownership of land that rightfully belongs to Amagba Adolor. He warned that this situation could disrupt the peace in what was once a quiet and united community.
"The Benin traditional council does not recognize Okoroma as a community. It is only a camp within Amagba Adolor," the Odionwere stated.
Youth Leader's Allegations
Mr. Monday Osasu, the youth leader of Amagba Adolor, corroborated the Odionwere's claims, adding that the Okoroma settlers were never original landowners but were welcomed into the community as tenants.
"Okoroma people are settlers. They are violent land grabbers using armed thugs to forcefully eject Amagba residents," Osasu alleged.
He appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo and Oba Ewuare II to intervene promptly to prevent potential violence stemming from the land dispute. While acknowledging the governor's efforts in urging peace, Osasu emphasized that only the Oba's decisive action could end the lingering land crisis.
"Oba should clearly define the boundary between the two communities. That would ensure lasting peace and unity," he stated.
Palace Response
At the Oba of Benin's palace, Chief Isaac Oyeoba addressed the protesters, commending them for their peaceful demonstration. He assured the community members that their grievances would be relayed to the Oba, who would listen and address their concerns appropriately.
The land dispute highlights ongoing tensions over property rights and community boundaries in Edo State, with traditional institutions playing a crucial role in conflict resolution alongside government authorities.
As of the time of reporting, representatives from the Okoroma settlement had not responded to the allegations made by the Amagba Adolor community.
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