Okpebholo warns land grabbers in Edo, vows to demolish illegal buildings on Coral City land and prosecute encroachers as part of land reform agenda.
Okpebholo warns land grabbers in Edo State that any unauthorised structures erected on government-acquired land—particularly the disputed Coral City area—will be demolished.
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The Edo State Governor issued a final warning on Tuesday, targeting encroachers on Lot A of the Obagie Acquisition, a land parcel located in Benin City.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Monday Okpebholo described the illegal occupation and sale of government land as unacceptable.
He cautioned individuals and groups against buying, selling, or building on Lot A, stressing that such actions would attract dire consequences.
“Any building on the designated area (Lot A) will be demolished, while the encroachers will be prosecuted,” the statement read.
Okpebholo reaffirmed that the entire Obagie Acquisition legally belongs to the Edo State Government, though plans are in motion to return Lots B, C, and D to verified owners and occupants.
This move, he said, is in line with his administration’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and responsible land management.
The governor stated that the upcoming land regularisation process reflects a broader policy to distinguish between legitimate landholders and speculators, adding that justice will be done for rightful owners affected by past disputes.
“This notice serves as a strong and last warning to land grabbers and encroachers on government lands in Lot A (Coral City) and others across the state,” the statement continued.
The Coral City project, long mired in controversy, has drawn the attention of speculators and real estate developers in recent years.
Okpebholo’s firm stance signals a crackdown on illegal development and a strategic effort to restore public confidence in the state’s land administration system.
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As tensions escalate around contested land across Edo State, the governor’s action is seen as a bold step toward reclaiming public property and promoting transparent urban planning.
