The Edo State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party clashed over the revocation of land belonging to Presco Plc in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area. The controversy began when Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration published a notice revoking the company’s statutory right of occupancy, only to reverse the decision within 24 hours.
The initial notice was issued in national newspapers, announcing that a parcel of land held by Presco Plc had been revoked under sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Act. However, the reversal came the following day through a public notice signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, stating that the revocation did not have the governor’s authorization and resulted from unilateral action by the immediate past Managing Director of Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS). The notice also clarified that proper procedures and the actual land area involved were not followed.
The PDP criticized the state government’s handling of the situation, describing it as confusing and damaging to the reputation of the administration. The party drew attention to Presco Plc as a major agro-industrial investment in the state, employing thousands and contributing to the local economy, and called for clear explanations to Edo residents.
In response, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, said that the explanation provided by the Secretary to the State Government clarified the matter and addressed the constitutional considerations regarding land in oil mineral areas. He admitted there was an initial mix-up but dismissed the PDP’s reaction as unnecessary, maintaining that the government had resolved the issue.
The land revocation drama has brought attention to the management of statutory land rights in Edo State and the need for proper administrative oversight in handling large-scale investments.