Edo Government Launches Investigation Into Ex-Governor Alli’s Alleged Estate

The Edo State Government has commenced an investigation into a property allegedly linked to the late former governor of the defunct Bendel State, Prof. Ambrose Alli.

According to Ireporter Online, the property, located along Uwasota Road in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, is currently occupied by a private school and has reportedly attracted different claims of ownership over the years.

Residents in the area gave conflicting accounts about the origin of the building, with some alleging that the estate was constructed by a contractor who worked with the Alli administration as a form of compensation to the former governor. However, they claimed that proper documentation of the property was never completed.

Others reportedly claimed that the building was developed by a late personal assistant to Prof. Alli, although the aide was said not to have moved his family into the property before the former governor was removed from office and later imprisoned.

The Chairman of the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, Eugene Okoloise, visited the property as part of efforts to assess the situation and determine its rightful ownership.

Okoloise stated that the outcome of the assessment would assist the committee’s ongoing investigation, adding that individuals making ownership claims had been invited to provide evidence supporting their positions.

He explained that the committee had been informed that Prof. Alli visited the location during his lifetime and was responsible for constructing a road leading to the property.

“We have been calling them to come and substantiate their claims, but they have been running,” Okoloise said, adding that the matter would be presented to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for a final decision.

Prof. Ambrose Alli served as governor of Bendel State from 1979 to 1983. Historical accounts indicate that he did not own a personal residence at the time he lost his re-election bid to former governor Samuel Ogbemudia.

Following the military takeover in 1983, Alli was arrested and later convicted by a military tribunal over allegations involving the misuse of funds meant for a road project, receiving a 100-year prison sentence before his eventual release.