LAND GRABBING: Claimant Exonerates Ohen Of Okhuoromi

BY The9JaTREND

Following recent social media allegation against the Ohen of Okhuoromi Village in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Ohen Ovbokhan Igbinovia, over alleged land grabbing, One Mr. Sunday Omoriakhi, said he was the person that fanced the land in dispute not the Ohen. 

Recall that one Anne Esohe Iyoha (female), recently alleged in a short video that went viral on social media that the Ohen of Okhuoromi dispossessed her of land measuring 50ft by 100ft by fencing the said land as his.

Speaking with The9JaTREND in Benin City in a new twist, Mr. Omoriakhi, who claimed ownership of the disputed land said that he bought the land from one Mr. Joseph Igbinidu, an indigene of Egbirhe village in 2010, during the boundary dispute between Okhuoromi and Egbirhe Villages.

He disclosed that following the Benin Monarch's resolution which gave judgement in favour of Okhuoromi, and his subsequent meeting with the elders of the village as the new owners of his land, an approval of ownership, dated October 30, 2018 was issued to him by Okhuoromi.

Omoriakhi furthermore stated that owing to his ill-health over the years, he was unable to attend to the land until recently he saw development going on in the land and decided to put a fence in order to identified the developer.

"When I saw the ongoing building in my land, I decided to fence the land so that the person erecting the building can come out.

"It was not the Ohen of Okhuoromi that fenced the land, but I did and I want the public to know that the land in question rightfully belongs to me not Anne Esohe Iyoha", he disclosed.

Reacting to Iyoha's allegation earlier, Ohen Ovbokhan Igbinovia, debunked the allegation in strong terms, maintaining that he has no dealings nor business with the claimant.

"I want to use this medium to inform the general public that we do not take peoples' land in Okhuoromi and if she claim her land was fenced by somebody, she should go to the police station and report the matter or the court for redress.

Addressing Journalists on the same issue, Counsel to Igbinovia, Sir (Barr.) Edward Aibangbe, said that the allegation against the Ohen was purely to attack his (Ohen) integrity and also weep up sentiments  in order to attract public hatred against the Ohen.

"If there is dispute anywhere, the courts are there for citizens of this country go and ventilate their angers and grievances for resolution. The social media is not an avenue for adjudication over dispute.

"As his lawyers, we have identified those behind the viral video, very soon, we will subject them to the ordeal of litigation so that they will come and defend what they have published.

"Because, to us, it is defamatory and an act that actually impeached the character and integrity of the Ohen who is our client", he said

Speaking on behalf of the village, one of the elders, Mr. Osagie Edosomwan, advised claimants to the land to come to the village with proof of ownership for peacefully resolution, disclosing that the land was earlier sold by Egbirhe not Okhuoromi.

BSM Urges Oba To Place Ohen Of Okuoromi On Suspension

By The9JaTREND

                    His Royal Majesty

     Omo N' Oba N' Edo Uku Akpolokpolor

     Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom 

Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) worldwide, a Socio-Cultural Group has appealed to His Royal Majesty, Omo N' Oba N' Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom to immediately place Chief Priest (Ohen of Okuoromi) on suspension  for bringing disrepute to Benin Kingdom.

According to the Movement, "It is obvious that the said Ohen of Okuoromi is stepping out of his boundary, and we hereby condemned such act of oppression."

In a press statement issued and signed by the Movement President, Elder Curtis Eghosa Ugbo said, "the trending video of a Benin woman (a school teacher) on social media, that the chief priest (Ohen of Okuoromi) wants to take her land and the building inside, after sold to her as stipulated in an attached document carrying the thumbprint signature of the so-called Ohen of Okuoromi, was disheartening.

"We, members of the Benin Solidarity Movement BSM Worldwide, can not continue to allow the Ohen of Okhuoromi to continue bringing disrespect to our Great Benin Kingdom.

 "We use this medium to call on our Royal Father, Oba of Benin Kingdom to immediately suspend chief priest (Ohen of Okuoromi) in Benin Kingdom for bringing disrepute to the Kingdom.

"We also call on the Edo State Government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki to as a matter of urgency activate the new land grabbing Law against the so-called chief priest (Ohen of Okuoromi) as failure to so do will show that the Edo State Government should not be taken seriously.

"We as a Benin group, will never support any form of injustice on any Benin man or woman by whosoever is involved.

"BSM will support this woman fully to RESIST the chief priest from taking the said landed property she suffered to build over the years, since the Ohen no longer have conscience in his demonic heart," statement opined.

Goat Meat Butchers Association Cry Over Multiple Taxation In Edo

By The9JaTREND

The President, Traders Welfare, Edo State, Comrade Lucky Orukpe has called on Edo State government to, as a matter of urgency prevail on the State Revenue Collectors over their multiple taxation on Goat Meat Butchers Association in the State.

 

Comrade Orukpe who led the protesters through some major roads in the New Benin axis in the state capital, gave the advice at the Edo State Internal Revenue Board along New Lagos Road. Benin City, to register their displeasure over the multiple taxation by the Edo State Revenue Collectors.

According to Comrade Orukpe, "Initially, the goat meat seller pay N50 for Ladder and the revenue collectors increased  it to N100, the Local Government Council revenue collectors collect N100, while the veterinary doctor collect N500 on each goat. Altogether, in every single goat purchased and killed, the Goat Meat Butchers Association pay the total sum of N700."

Comrade Orukpe therefore call on Edo State government through the Revenue Board to come to their rescue as the multiple taxation is causing untold hardship to their businesses.

"We are calling on Edo State government to come to our rescue as the multiple taxation caused untold hardship to their businesses and these multiple charges fall back to the consumers. 

"Also, we will suggest to Edo State government to introduce Point of Sale (POS) so that the tax they collect can henceforth go straight to the account of Edo state government," he suggested.

While responding on behalf of Chairman of the Edo State Inland Revenue Board, Mr. Felix Isuku appreciated the way the traders  composed themselves while going on the their peaceful protest.

"I admire the eloquent in your English, it really tells that you people are well organised and educated. We welcome the suggestion you people raised by way of introducing POS in the revenue collection in your market.  Be rest assured that my chairman will definitely channel your grievances to the state government," he assured.

Mr. Isuku appealed to the protesters to select 4 representatives who will be meeting with the Secretary to State Government (SSG) to air your views and possibly discuss way forward, according to him, "Edo State government is passionate about the welfare of Edo people, he assured.

ECOBA Praises Edo Govt. Over Suspension Of Principal, House Master

By The9JaTREND

The National Executive Committee and entire membership of Edo College Old Boys Association (ECOBA) has commended Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki towards addressing the malady, while endorsing in entirety the immediate suspension of the Principal and House Master. 

According to ECOBA, "We are committed to assisting government in meting out appropriate punishment and sanctions to all culprits fingered in the dastardly act."

In a press statement issued and signed by National President of ECOBA, Dr. Reuben Osahon, "the Association are fully aware of the unfortunate and buzarre incidence of violence that happened in the College, which went viral over the weekend. 

"We commend the actions taken so far by Governor Godwin Obaseki towards addressing the malady, while endorsing in entirety the immediate suspension of the Principal and House Master. 

"We pledge our commitment to the ongoing investigations by Edo State Government, and all other efforts at nipping such ugly occurrences in the bud, for Edo College remains a true citadel of learning whose products have excelled in diverse areas of endeavour across the globe. This ugly act definite y does not represent Edo College! 

"As a model College, we humbly recommend a stricter admission procedure in instilling excellence and brilliance in the enrolment procedure into the College, as the spoken words by the culprits in the video are completely alien to Edo College spirit.

"We sympathize with the parents of the brutalized students and their wards, and we are making this firm commitment and assurance to parents of Edo College students, that this ugly incidence will not occur in the future." the statement opined.

Edo Govt. Suspends Edo College Principal, House Master Over Abuse Video Of Students

...to prosecute abusers with Child Rights Law 

By The9JaTREND

The Edo State Government has placed indefinite suspension on the principal of Edo College, Mr. Peter Edomwonyi and House Master, Mr. Oamen Stanley over the abuse video of students that went viral on social media in the school.

In a press statement issued and signed by Secretary to State Government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, said "the government watched with disdain the disturbing viral video on social media of abuse by students of Edo College, Benin City, the Edo State.

“On enquiry, the State Ministry of Education discovered that the incident took place at the premises of the college that involved Senior Secondary School (SSS) students of Akenzua Hall of residence, who are writing their National Examinations Council (NECO) Final Examination."

According to him, “The disturbing video exposed the incompetence of the management of the school authority and the delinquent behaviour of the students who carried out the abusive action.

"On account of the above, Edo State government has instructed the Principal of Edo College, Mr. Peter Edomwonyi, to proceed on suspension effective immediately. He is to hand over all property and assets of the school in his possession to the next most senior Vice Principal of the school. He is to remain on suspension until the investigation of the incident is concluded and government provides further directive on the matter.

"Also, the House Master for Akenzua Hall of Residence, Mr. Oamen Stanley, has also been suspended indefinitely, with immediate effect.

“All the students involved in the abusive behaviour have been handed over to the Ministry of Justice for investigation and prosecution in accordance with the Child Rights Law.

"The Edo State Ministry of Health is reaching out to the victims to ascertain the state of their health and provide the necessary support."

The Edo SSG assured Edo people that Government is committed to maintaining a school environment that is safe for children and offers apologies to the victims, their parents and members of the public.

IKORO, OBAZUWA LAND DISPUTE: Attah Urges Obaseki To Urgently Resolve Crisis

"...We don't run for our fears, we face our fears" - Comrade Ebiwana

By The9JaTREND

The land dispute rocking the communities of Ikoro and Obazuwa may turn out to be blooding if urgent step is not taken by Edo State government to police the activities of both youths in the communities.

The aforementioned development was discovered when The9JaTREND visited Ikoroo Community recently under the invitation of the elders of the community in reaction to recent publication in one of Nigeria newspaper that Ikoro people are the setlers in Obazuwa community. 

Speaking to The9JaTREND, on behalf of Ikoro Community was Chief Edwin Attah. He spoke extensively on the way forward to solving the crisis between Ikoro and Obazuwa Communities.

"Ikoro is situated in Ovia North-East local government area of Edo State and has boundaries with Eghudu, Igbobi, Evbolekpen, Egban and Evboro Communities," Elder Attah explained.

According to him, "Ikoro is an ancient community and has been in existence since 18AD. Other naighbouring communities that has boundary and still leaving in harmony with Ikoro are Eghudu, Igbobi, Evbolekpen, Egban and Evboro Communities."

He wondered how Obazuwa people who came to beg for land to farm will continue to lay claim of Ikoro Community.

Chief Attah explained to The9JaTREND the origin of Ikoro Community. 

"Before 1910, all these naighbouring communities - Eghudu, Igbobi, Evbolekpen, Egban and Evboro Communities came into agreement with Ikoro Community not to do harm to each other. During the written of the agreement between the communities in 1910, Obazuwa was not in existence then, and l see no reason why Obozuwa people will continue to claim ownership of Ikoro community."

He added, "Chief Ezomon, from the palace of the Oba of Benin came with some labourers to farm for him in our community. He appealed to the then Olodiama Pere, (King of Olodiama Kingdom) to be granted piece of land to farm and the Olodiama Pere graciously obliged him.

"During the period of Chief Ezomon in Ikoro Community, Obazuwa and Ikoro were leaving in peace and harmony, and there was no discrimination until the death of Chief Ezomon when the then Oba of Benin approved Enogie for Obazuwa people that necessitated their claim of Ikoro Community."

Going further, Chief Attah said, "As Obazuwa people  continue to abuse the privilege granted them by Ikoro community,  they started erecting building, and continue to harass and intimidate our developers from erecting buildings. When Ikoro youth discovered that Obazuwa continue harassing Ikoro people from erecting  buildings, they went and resisted their act of harassment.

"As the news went viral and got to the Oba of Benin in Benin City, the Oba delegated Prince Adun Akenzua to go and mediate the land dispute between our Community (Ikoro) and Obazuwa people.

"After our chiefs briefed Chief Akenzua on the circumstances that led to the land dispute, he then moved to the naighbouring communities which are Eghudu, Igbobi, Evbolekpen, Egban and Evboro and was briefed exactly what we, the Ikoro Community told him.

"On his return from his facts finding mission, Chief Akenzua called Obazuwa Odionwere and told him what he was told and the Obazuwa Odionwere start to beg us."

Explaining to The9JaTREND how came the name Ikoro, Chief Attah said, "The name Ikoro originated from the founder of the Community.

"In the ancient time, we do trade by barter with Obazuwa people; they bring us food items and in return, we give them fish. We, the Ikoro community are not settlers. it is the Obazuwa people that are settlers in Ikoro Community," he emphasised.

Chief Edwin Attah further explain the connection between Ikoro and the Oba of Benin. 

"When the then Oba of Benin had conflict with the Benins, he ran to us (Ikoro community) to take shelter, and we accommodated him.  The Benins still traced him to Ikoro and it was when we heard of their coming that we faring the Oba down to Lagos. Those that accompanied the Oba of Benin to Lagos were Ogbrinkoto, Ashikpa, Kperewe and many other warriors from here, they fought war on their way at Ogun state.

"When they finally arrived Lagos, some of the warriors followed the Oba to go and settle the conflict with the Benins  (his people). One of the Warriors called Ashikpa decided to stay back in Lagos. Ashikpa who stayed back in Lagos is now the Obanikoro of Ikorodu in Lagos. You can now understand the origin of Obanikoro of Ikorodu. Obazuwa cannot come to our Ikoro community to lay claim, we won't allow that to happen, they are the settlers," Chief Attah opined.

Tenison Disemoh is another Chief in Ikoro Community. He also throw more light on the origin of Ikoro Community.

"Ikoro were the first community here. There was no other community along this Ose river, Ikoro is the head of Olodiama Clan.

"The Obazuwa people met us here. Even in 1910, Obazuwa has not come, they are the last community that came to settle along this Ikoro - Benin road.

"Ikoro primary school was founded in 1917. There were no other primary school in this area apart Ikoro primary school. So, automatically Ikoro has been in existing before the school was founded.

"Our church (Baptist Church) was founded in 1880. What that mean is that, if you are talking about those that are settlers, l think Obazuwa are the main settler here."

Going further, Chief Disemoh said,  "Only two schools in Benin that are senior to Ikoro primary school. It may also interest you to know that Ikoro primary school is No. 40 oldest primary schools in Nigeria, you can google or go to Ministry of Information to check.

"After the Portuguese invaded Benin. it was Ikoro community some of the Portuguese passed through, so, it was the Ikoro people that ferry them (the Portuguese) to Uwonton to take off. There is no other community that is senior to Ikoro in this part of the country. We are the owner of this place."

He added, "A Benin historian, Jacob Egharevba said the Ijaws were the first people that settled here. We have the first Baptist church here. From here they founded Emu Baptist church and Sapele Baptist church. Ikoro Baptist church was founded in 1880.

Eghudu, Igbobi, Evbolekpen, Egban and Evboro Communities know the history, Obazuwa are in our land, we cannot continue to have them harass and intimidate our people, we won't allow their harassment to continue," he opined.

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Chairman of Olodiama Clan in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Comrade Sam Ebiwana also called on Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to urgently look into the dispute between Ikoro and Obazuwa Communities before the crisis generate security breach in the State.

He said, "In response to Obazuwa people saying vis-a-vis that Ijaws people are the settlers and tenants here, to me, l think your findings can attest to the fact that Ikoro are the rightful owner of this community.

"This Obazuwa have be beating drum of war, we have be telling the security agencies, Edo State governor to call them to order. Our quietness should not be taken for granted by Obazuwa people. We just want the law to take its course. But, if the issue is not resolve amicably and Obazuwa people still continue to harass our people and our developers, we will react. We don't run for our fears, we face our fears."

"So, the governor should urgently look into this issue before it will cost security breach in the state.

"Initially, we have the mind to resolve this issue in a round table discussion, but the so-called Obazuwa people are not even ready for dialogue, they felt that we are settlers and they don't have anything to discuss with us, that the land belong to them, that we should leave."

Speaking to The9JaTREND, a woman leader in the community, Mrs. Florence Ulitsemi said, "Obazuwa people came to meet us here. I am calling on Edo State Governor. Mr. Godwin Obaseki to beg Obazuwa people to leave us one, they should allow us to have peace, Ikoro is our own."

Mrs. Vero Afemi is an activist in the community. "Obazuwa people, who created this heaven and earth? The blood that run through the vein of Obazuwa people, is it different from the one they run through the vein of Ikoro people?" she asked.

"Help tell Obazuwa people to leave us alone, we don't look for trouble, we are peace loving people," she appealed.

Edo College Places Students On Indefinite Suspension Over Brutalization Of Colleague

By The9JaTREND

Some Senior Secondary Students (SSS) of the elite Edo College, Benin City, Edo State (names withheld) have been suspended for mercilessly brutalizing co-senior secondary student of the same school.

In a viral online video, the senior students were seen severely whipping the helpless student with belts after which they came down heavily on him with blows and side kicks.

In the video, the junior who was naked and on his knees, bleeding, passionately pleading for mercy from his assailants who were apparently unmoved as they continued with the brutality.

With dirt all over his body, the victim who was covered in blood, writhed in pains as the senior students who did not betray any emotions continued with the whipping, kicking and cursing.

Speaking on his mobile phone, the principal, Mr. Peter Edomwonyi disclosed that the beastly students that were involved in the merciless acts have been indentified, noting that the Ministry of Education has placed them all on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of investigations.

Edomwonyi explained that, in the course of investigations by officials from the ministry, they will ascertain whether the assault was cult related or not. 

He said: "I am presently at the Ministry of Education over the matter. It's true that some senior students brutalized a co-senior secondary student. The ministry is looking into it but, in the meantime, the erring students have been placed on indefinite suspension. The panel has been mandated to ascertain whether the beating was secret cult related or not."

ERA/FoEN Demands For Shell Accountable Of Halt Divestment Of Its Oil Facilities

By The9JaTREND

The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has strongly deplored the recent disclosure that Shell has concluded plans to sell its land based and shallow offshore oil fields and infrastructures in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria. 

In its characteristic nature, Shell having almost drained the region dry of oil and gas resources and engaged in ecocide because of its reckless and unconscionable operations in the region now seeks to walk away from its crime scene with billions of dollars in its kitty.  

In a press statement issued and signed by Mike Karikpo, ERA/FoEN Programmes Director states that, "whilst it has been at the forefront of campaigns to leave the oil in the soil and to halt oil and gas extraction, it strongly deplores the insensitivity of the transnational corporation that has over the last few years been divesting from the region, collecting huge payouts for the oil fields and infrastructure sold and leaving local communities to deal with the devastation and destruction of the ecosystem, their lives and livelihoods.

"Shell recently sold OML 17 to HEIRS Holding in a deal worth well over half a billion dollars and absolutely nothing was set aside for the remediation and restoration of the damaged ecosystem of communities around this area."

A community leader and critic of Shell in the Niger-Delta region, Mr. Eraks Kobah, says “Shell as a criminal enterprise that is only interested in maximizing profit”. 

He states further that his community has been in court with Shell for decades over the major oil blowout and destruction of the environment and the community’s sources of livelihood around the Bomu manifold in Kdere in the Ogoni area of Nigeria.  

The Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, states that that “Shell owes the environment and the people of the Niger Delta region a huge ecological debt for its reckless operations in the region over the last seven decades. Dr Ojo further states that Shell is running away from accountability for its ruinous actions in the Niger Delta region and amounts to eating your cake and having it”. 

He called on the Nigerian state to protect local communities’ interest within the divestment process of oil and gas multinational companies operating in the Niger Delta region and halt Shell’s attempt to run away from its mess without proper clean up of the Niger Delta.

Mike Karikpo, Director of Programs of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria  particularly praised local communities in Ibeno, noting that the oil multinationals operating in Nigeria have always ensured that communities and groups who institute legal cases against them go through the harrowing experience of a long and difficult walk to justice. 

It will be recalled that this suit against Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited was instituted in 2012 and after 9 long years our courts of justice have finally delivered its verdict. 

ERA/FoEN in their press statement praised the Nigerian judiciary for the thoughtful and courageous decisions that they have been handing down recently in cases involving local communities and the multinational oil and gas companies who have often used their deep pockets to capture and arrest the judicial process.

Mike Karikpo, further stated that Shell has a history of disdain for local communities and disrespect of Nigeria’s justice system. 

He cited the repeated refusal of Shell to pay the N17 billion compensation awarded by a Nigerian court to the Ejama-Ebubu community in Eleme local government area of Rivers state for oil spills that devastated their land in 2010. This spill occurred during the Nigerian civil war 1967-1970 and Shell has refused to undertake proper cleanup of the spill area or pay the compensation set by the court. 

In November 2020 Shell lost an attempt to extricate itself from responsibility for the spill and the compensation cost awarded against it. The Nigerian supreme court rejected Shell’s bid to set aside the 2010 compensation award, with accruing interest the compensation claim now stands at a healthy N180 billion.

ERA/FoEN therefore calls on CSOs and local communities to immediately put in place negotiating teams that will participate in any discussions and decision on the sale of Shell’s environmentally destructive assets so that they can ensure that the billions of dollars that would accrue from the sale would be utilized for the remediation, compensation and restoration of our environment.

ERA/FoEN further calls on CSOs and communities to explore opportunities for filing cases in Nigeria and other relevant jurisdictions to demand that they be given a seat at the table during the sale processes on the basis of the ecological debt that Shell owes the environment and local communities and the need to set aside funds to remediate and restore damaged ecosystems resulting from Shell’s self-regulated operations in Nigeria over the last 70 years.

"We call on the Nigerian state to ensure that the process of sale of these assets is open, transparent and inclusive to enable communities with ongoing litigations and others with verifiable claims against Shell to participate and monitor the process.   

"This is even more relevant in this decade of Ecosystem Restoration declared by the United Nations 2021-2030. As oil fades away as the energy source of choice across the world, it is imperative that all oil impacted ecosystems across the country should be cleaned and restored as much as possible to the state they were before the commencement of oil mining activities. Anything short of this, is unacceptable," the statement opined.

Shaibu Commends Alenkhe For Displaying Large Hearts Towards Bendel Insurance FC

By The9JaTREND

His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu has praised the effort of Mr. Festus Alenkhe, a Senior Crime Reporter with Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), Benin City, Edo State for displaying extreme large hearts to Bendel Insurance Football Club by holding on to his pledged of given out N20,000 to any first scorer of their home encounter.

Comrade Shaibu gave the commendation during Week 21 Football match between Bendel Insurance Football Club and Ibom Youth Football Club of Akwa Ibom State at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Ogbe Quarters, Benin City, on Saturday the July 31st day of, 2021.

He said, "Festus Alenkhe, we appreciate your passion for Bendel Insurance Football Club. We also thank you for coming with some of your colleagues to show solidarity to Insurance. I know this will definitely spur other players to work hard so as to partake in this goodies from you. God Almighty will reward you and grant your heart desire.

"I want to also  use this medium to call on other well meaning individuals to emulate Festus Alenkhe for this philanthropist disposition towards Bendel Insurance Football Club " he opined.

During the encounter, both sides played an entertaining football match with their passes, dribbles and ball controls. 

The Insurance FC earned three corner kicks, but they did not convert any to goals while Ibom Youth FC had only one corner kick which they wasted. 

The lone goal scored by Sarki Ishmeal is as a result of a pullout from the left flank and he (Sarki Ishmeal) letted the goal with his head. 

The week 21 of Nigeria National League between Bendel Insurance FC and Ibom Youth FC earned only one yellow card against a player of Bendel Insurance Football Club.  

Bendel Insurance Football Club has garnered 40 points from 21 matches thus becoming the leader of Group B.

The ground breaking ceremony of the Week 21 football match of Nigeria National league (NNL) is when the Senior Crime Reporter of Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) Alenkhe publicly presented the cash gift of Twenty Thousand Naira only to Sarki Ishmeal of Bendel Insurance football club.

Alenkhe did say that he is in love with Bendel Insurance FC, therefore he using his cash gift to the players as a way of motivation and encouragement to them so that they can fly higher in their future engagements, adding that, he and his colleagues came out in large numbers to cheer up Bendel Insurance Football Club with solidarity. 

AMAGBA LAND REVOCATION: Ize-Iyamu Scientifically Deceived Us - Amagba Community

By The9JaTREND

The people of Amagba Community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State has expressed displeasure over the manner Osagie Ize-Iyamu scientifically deceived them to acquired the 18 Hectares of land in the community.

According to them, "Osagie Ize-Iyamu, sat under the guise of setting up an Agricultural Institution to create jobs as well as open up the area for increased economic activities.

"It turned out that Ize-Iyamu only used the proposed agricultural institution to deceitfully acquire the land from the community, because in fact, there has never been any activity on the said parcel for these many years: Rather, the place, having been left unused, has become a den of criminals, posing severe security and safety threat to women, children and the entire people of Amagba Community."

In a statement issued and signed by elders of the Amagba Community, which included Hon. Joseph Iduoriyekemwen J.P., Odionwere of Amagba, Elder Victor Aigbe, Elder O. Igbinidu, Monday Iduoriyekemwen and Elder John Eware express appreciation to Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Executive Governor of Edo State for listening and hearkening to their pleas which they expressed in the various protest letters written to him on the injustice and oppression meted on them by Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

"We are indeed grateful for the Governor’s intervention and move to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) on a land measuring over 18 hectares, which was dubiously taken from us some time ago by the said individual.

"We hereby state, without equivocation that the said expanse of land, amounting to over 18 hectares did not wholly belong to Ize-Iyamu because portions of it were allocated to other individuals.

"The portion of the land within the 18 hectares to which Ize-Iyamu laid claim, hitherto awarded to him by the community, has since been revoked by the people and leaders of Amagba, after several letters by the people and a final letter written to him by the legal representative of the Amagba Community."

Going further, the statement added, "As a community, we decided to withdraw the large expanse of land over which Ize-Iyamu sat, under the guise of setting up an Agricultural Institution to create jobs as well as open up the area for increased economic activities.

"It is important to emphasize that, even before the community began to solicit the intervention of the governor, several engagements have been ongoing to draw Ize-Iyamu’s attention to the need to vacate the said property, having failed to put it to use for the purpose for which it was allocated.

"We have, over the years, endured the pain and agony of the domination of Mr. Ize-Iyamu, who has depended on his political clout and connection with successive governments, to deprive us of the purposeful use of our land and also put our lives in danger, having left such a vast land unused in the midst of a thriving community, thereby making the land a cover for armed robbers, rapists, hoodlums, among others.

"We are therefore immensely grateful to his Excellency, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, for his intervention in revoking the land title and opening up opportunities for the land to be used by government to advance the development of Amagba community and its environs.

"The people of Amagba also acknowledge the numerous developmental projects embarked upon by the Governor in our community, including the over 15km Ugbor-Amagba Road, which has since been completed, as well as several other adjoining roads that have been constructed. We, once more, reaffirm our unflinching support for the Governor for his interest in the development of Amagba Community and appeal that these efforts be sustained."