By Brenda Izu 

The Edo State Public Property Protection Committee has visited Orior Ozolua Community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area following a petition alleging illegal encroachment on public lands by a former Okaighele, Osasere Egharevba.

The petition, dated December 19, 2025, was submitted by the Crown Prince of Orior Ozolua Community, Osaro Ogogiro, and received by the committee, drawing attention to what was described as the unlawful acquisition, encroachment, and sale of government-owned lands within the community.

According to the petitioners, the affected lands were historically reserved for public use, including a community health centre carved out by the late Enogie Osemwingie Igbinenikaro, a public market space demarcated by community forefathers, and a community park located along Idah Road.

The petition further alleged that Egharevba fenced off the designated community park and converted it into personal property, while also erecting shops on land reserved for the proposed health centre, in an attempt to secure ownership of the frontage.

During an on-the-spot assessment, officials of the Public Property Protection Committee inspected the affected sites and sealed the structures erected on the disputed lands, pending the outcome of investigations.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Eugene Okoloise, said the former Okaighele would be formally invited to the committee’s office in Benin City for questioning, noting that no individual is above the law.

Okoloise stressed that if investigations confirm the allegations, the illegal structures would be demolished, adding that the committee was determined to see the matter through to its logical conclusion in line with the governor’s directive to protect public assets.

Community members who witnessed the exercise expressed satisfaction with the intervention, commending Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the committee for responding swiftly to their complaints and safeguarding communal property.

They noted that the disputed lands had long served public interests and said the committee’s action had restored confidence in the government’s commitment to justice and fairness.

Meanwhile, the committee also visited Uteh Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area over allegations that a building under construction was obstructing a public linking road.

It was gathered that the Uteh community had earlier written to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, which reportedly confirmed that the structure was being erected on a designated access road.

Following inspection of the site, the committee invited the developers to appear at its Benin City office with relevant documents for verification and clarification.

The Public Property Protection Committee assured residents of both communities that due process would be followed and that any confirmed encroachment on public infrastructure or government land would be addressed promptly in the interest of the public.