Edo Land Dispute: Amagba Community Seeks Oba of Benin, Gov Okpebholo’s Urgent Intervention

Residents of Amagba Adolor community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State have called on the state government and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to step in and prevent a potential communal crisis over an escalating land dispute.

The appeal was made during a peaceful protest on Tuesday in Benin City. The demonstrators marched to the Edo State Government House and the Oba’s Palace, demanding swift intervention.

Community leaders accused members of the Okoroma group—whom they described as non-indigenous settlers—of forcefully taking over their ancestral land, particularly the Emokpae Camp area. According to the protesters, Okoroma people have now renamed the camp and are claiming it as their own.

Leading the protest was Pa Joseph Iduoyekemwen, the Odionwere (eldest man) of Amagba Adolor, who condemned the alleged illegal occupation. He insisted that Emokpae Camp belongs historically to the Amagba people and not to the Okoroma, who he said were originally tenants in the area.

He warned that continued encroachment and land grabbing by the Okoroma group could destabilize the peace that has long existed in the community.

Youth leader Monday Osasu echoed Iduoyekemwen’s concerns, stating that the Okoroma settlers were never recognized as landowners and are now using intimidation tactics—including armed thugs—to claim ownership.

Osasu urged Governor Monday Okpebholo and Oba Ewuare II to take decisive action to define the territorial boundaries and restore order. He stressed that while the governor has called for peace, only the Oba’s authority could bring a lasting solution.

Addressing the demonstrators, Chief Isaac Oyeoba from the Oba’s palace praised their orderly conduct and assured them that their grievances would be conveyed to the monarch for appropriate attention.