Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Wednesday brokered peace between host communities and investors over the use of government forest reserve land for agricultural purposes.
The meeting, which took place in Benin City, was convened to resolve tensions surrounding the allocation of forest reserve land across Ovia South West and Ovia North East Local Government Areas. The governor was represented by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who appealed to all stakeholders to embrace peace and dialogue at all times.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Friday Aghedo, Okpebholo clarified that, by the provisions of the Land Use Act, the disputed land belongs to the Edo State Government.
The governor attributed the hostility between investors and host communities to the actions of the previous administration, accusing it of arbitrarily allocating forest reserve land to investors without adequate consultation with the affected communities of Iguomon, Egbetta and Usen.
He explained that the stakeholders’ meeting became necessary to clarify facts, address grievances and restrategize for a peaceful and mutually beneficial outcome.
“We have three investors interested in oil palm production in these council areas, which aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision of turning Edo State into an investment haven,” he said.
“Today’s meeting brought together critical stakeholders from Ovia South West and Ovia North East to ensure that all interests are adequately represented. The investors were present, alongside community leaders led by the Elawure of Usen, Oba Wilson Oluogbe II, as well as palace chiefs.
“While a five percent buffer was initially proposed by the previous administration, discussions at today’s meeting led the investors to agree to an increase to 10 percent, taking into account that Ovia is largely agrarian, with about 80 percent of the people dependent on subsistence farming for survival,” he added.
Okpebholo further stated that part of the resolution includes the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the investors and host communities to ensure inclusive decision-making.
“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is people-oriented. We value the interests of investors just as much as the welfare and livelihoods of our people,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor Esq., noted that the previous administration ought to have conducted proper studies and needs assessments before allocating the land.
He emphasized that due process, including engagement with Community Development Associations (CDAs) and agreements on community development, should have been followed.
Ikhilor explained that Usen historically started as a farming settlement, underscoring the importance of involving the community in decisions that directly affect their means of livelihood. He encouraged investors to undertake meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and promote job creation and general welfare within their host communities.
The Elawure of Usen, Oba Wilson Oluogbe II, commended the Edo State Government for its timely intervention and appealed for greater inclusion of communities in critical decision-making, particularly on issues affecting their livelihoods.
The investors—Nimbel Shaw Limited, Professional Support Farms Limited and Steve Integrated Limited—also praised the Edo State Government for facilitating a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
