‘He Must Explain His Source of Income’ — Edo Governor Orders Probe into 17-Year-Old Who Bought 14,000 Hectares of Land and Paid in Full
He, however, assured that the certificates had already been printed and would be signed once due diligence was completed.
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‘He Must Explain His Source of Income’ — Edo Governor Orders Probe into 17-Year-Old Who Bought 14,000 Hectares of Land and Paid in Full
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has launched an investigation into the alleged acquisition of 14,000 hectares of land by a 17-year-old boy, questioning the minor’s source of income.
Speaking during an engagement with members of the Shift Naija Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, in Benin City, Okpebholo expressed shock over the development and confirmed that he has temporarily halted the signing of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) pending the outcome of the probe.
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“We are investigating how a 17-year-old came into possession of 14,000 hectares of land and paid in full. Until we ascertain his source of livelihood, I will not continue signing C-of-Os,” the governor declared.
He, however, assured that the certificates had already been printed and would be signed once due diligence was completed.
Gov Okpebholo Slams N8bn Software Deal, Cancels Contract
The governor also criticised the previous administration under Godwin Obaseki for allegedly spending N8 billion on software consultancy, which he described as a waste of state resources. He revealed that his government had discontinued the contract and instead developed an in-house software system managed by trained civil servants.
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Dispute Over Specialist Hospital Land
Okpebholo further raised concerns over alleged encroachment on the Edo State Specialist Hospital land by the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), stating that the private organisation had taken over 80 percent of the land despite clear demarcations.
“That land belongs to the state. MOWAA cannot take 80 percent of it and leave 20 percent for the hospital, which doesn’t even have an emergency ward or mortuary,” he lamented.
Achievements and Future Projects
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Highlighting his administration’s achievements in less than one year in office, Okpebholo listed:
Renovation of public schools
Rehabilitation of state and federal roads
Recruitment of teachers and civil servants
Boosts in agricultural development
He also disclosed that the construction of a second flyover at Adesuwa Junction along Sapele Road would commence soon, following compensation payments to affected property owners.
Stakeholders Commend Governor, Call for Patriotism
Earlier, Shift Naija Initiative founder Ikhenbor Felix Igbinevbo described the organisation as a movement focused on fostering patriotism, accountability and constructive civic engagement.
“We aim to shift the national mindset from criticism to contribution, and from division to collective progress,” he said, calling on citizens to actively document progress and demand accountability.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Festus Alenkhe, applauded the governor’s efforts and pledged media support for his administration. He also commended the Shift Naija Initiative for building bridges between citizens, the media and government.
