Gov Okpebholo reconciles oil palm investors, host communities
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has brokered peace between host communities and investors over the use of government forest reserve land for oil palm cultivation in parts of the state.
The reconciliation meeting, held in Benin City, was convened to address lingering disputes over forest reserve land spanning Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas.
Represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, the governor urged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence, stressing that development could only thrive in an atmosphere of mutual understanding.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Friday Aghedo, Okpebholo noted that under the provisions of the Land Use Act, the land in dispute legally belongs to the Edo State Government.
He attributed the hostility between investors and host communities to actions of the previous administration, which he said allocated portions of the forest reserve to investors without adequate consultation with the affected communities of Iguomon, Egbetta and Usen.
According to the governor, the meeting became necessary to establish the facts, address grievances and restrategise in a way that protects community interests while promoting investment.
“We have three investors willing to invest in oil palm production in these local government areas, which aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision of transforming Edo State into an investment haven,” he said.
“Today’s engagement brought together critical stakeholders from Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East. The investors were present, alongside community leaders led by the Elawure of Usen, Oba Wilson Oluogbe II, and palace chiefs.
“While the previous administration proposed a five per cent buffer, discussions at this meeting led the investors to agree to increase it to 10 per cent, taking into account that Ovia is largely agrarian, with about 80 per cent of the population dependent on subsistence farming.”
Okpebholo added that part of the resolution included the drafting of a memorandum of understanding between the investors and host communities to ensure inclusive decision-making and sustained cooperation.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Ikhilor, said the previous administration ought to have conducted proper studies and a needs assessment before allocating the land.
He explained that standard procedures such as consultations with Community Development Associations and agreements on community development projects were necessary steps that were overlooked.
Ikhilor noted that Usen began as a farm settlement, making it imperative for residents to be actively involved in decisions affecting their means of livelihood.
He further encouraged investors to prioritise corporate social responsibility initiatives, job creation and projects that would enhance the welfare of their host communities.
The Elawure of Usen, Oba Wilson Oluogbe II, commended the Edo State Government for its timely intervention, appealing for sustained engagement with communities when critical decisions affecting livelihoods are being taken.
The investors—Nimbel Shaw Limited, Professional Support Farms Limited and Steve Integrated Limited—also praised the government for resolving the dispute amicably.
Agitation over land ownership intensified following the exit of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, with host communities demanding compensation for land ceded to investors.
However, the Okpebholo administration has pledged to ensure harmonious collaboration between investors and communities in order to promote sustainable development across the state.
