Members of the Amagba Adolor community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State have taken their grievances to the streets, staging a peaceful protest at both the Edo Government House and the palace of the Oba of Benin over what they describe as an unlawful takeover of their ancestral land.
The protesters specifically pointed to Emokpae Camp, which they claim has been seized by settlers from Okoroma who have since renamed the area after themselves, effectively erasing the historical connection of the original inhabitants.
Community Leaders Speak Out
Leading the protest, Pa Joseph Iduoyekemwen, the community's elder statesman, alongside youth leader Mr. Monday Osasu, emphasized that the Okoroma people were originally welcomed as tenants and not indigenous landowners of the disputed territory.
"These people came to us as tenants, and now they claim ownership of our ancestral lands. This is unacceptable and could lead to serious unrest if not addressed promptly," the community representatives stated during their demonstration.
The protesters issued a stern warning that continued encroachment on their land could potentially spark conflict in the area. They called on Governor Monday Okpebholo and the revered Oba Ewuare II to intervene by clearly defining the boundaries between the communities to prevent any escalation of tensions.
Palace Response
In response to the demonstration, Chief Isaac Oyeoba, representing the Benin Palace, received the protesters and assured them that their concerns would be properly communicated to the Oba for appropriate action.
"The palace takes these matters seriously, and His Royal Majesty will be fully briefed on your grievances," Chief Oyeoba reportedly told the protesters.
Land disputes are not uncommon in Edo State, where ancestral claims often clash with more recent settlements, creating tensions that sometimes require royal and governmental intervention to resolve.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the Edo State Government regarding the protest or the land dispute.
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