News

Alleged Illegal Demolition: Victims Cry For Justice, Want FG, Edo Govt’s Intervention

Published

3 years ago

September 2, 2022

Property developers whose houses were pulled down with bulldozer allegedly on the orders of Mr. Frank Irabor, the secretary to Benin Traditional Council (BTC) have cried for justice, just as one of them, said four other house owners affected by the demolition are currently hospitalized arising from shock over the loss of their properties.

INFO DAILY reports that over 60 houses were reportedly demolished during the operation last week at Ulegun community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Srea of Edo State.

The developer who identified himself as Osaro Ihankpan said he had so far expended N38 million in the last 12 years on the buildings which he said were at the filling and roofing level respectively when it was demolished.

“I am no longer myself. I am just standing here as a man. There’s one woman and three others who are battling with thier lifes after they destroyed their houses.

“I want the Edo State and federal governments to come to my aid. I bought the land and paid before I started building,” he stated.

Mr. Frank Irabor had told journalists that the land measuring 225.47 hactares where the houses were built belong to the Oba of Benin, adding, “those who built on the land should go and meet those who sold the land to them”.

Meanwhile, the leaders of Ulegun community Friday insisted that they didn’t at anytime seed the said land to the Benin Monarch.

Mr. Raymond Enogieru who spoke on behalf of the leaders accused the leadership of a neighbouring community (Ukhiri) and the palace secretary of bringing the revered institution to disrepute.

He insisted that a dispute over the said land with its neighbouring community (Ukhiri) had been resolved in various courts up to Supreme Court in favour of Ulegun community, in addition to the pronouncement by former Oba of Benin, HRM, Oba Erediawa.

Recall that on Thursday, Justice Mary Itsueli of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City ordered that Mr. Frank Irabor and six others m be ramanded in prison custody pending receipt of legal advice by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The police is prosecuting the accused following protests by the community for justice over the illegal destruction of their property as well as alleged intimidation, harassment and disregard for the rule of law.

News

Christmas: Otuaro Preaches Peace, Unity In N’Delta, Hails Tinubu’s Support For PAP

Published

9 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has extended warm Christmas greetings to the people of the Niger Delta, calling for renewed commitment to peace, unity and communal harmony as the region prepares to enter the New Year.

Otuaro, in a message issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, thanked stakeholders, traditional rulers, ex-agitators, youths and communities across the Niger Delta for their sustained support for the PAP and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described peace and unity as the bedrock upon which sustainable development in the Niger Delta must continue to be built, urging the people to remain steadfast in protecting the hard-earned stability currently enjoyed in the region.

“Peace and unity remain the strongest foundations for sustainable development. As a people, we must continue to reject violence and embrace dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect as we work collectively for the progress of our region.

“I also express my profound appreciation to all stakeholders and the people of our region for your sustained support for the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he said.

Otuaro noted that the PAP recorded significant milestones in 2025, including improved welfare for beneficiaries, enhanced educational and vocational opportunities, and strengthened reintegration outcomes, all aimed at empowering Niger Delta youths to contribute meaningfully to society.

He attributed these achievements to the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and the institutional support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which provides strategic guidance for the effective implementation of the programme.

Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, the PAP boss described it as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, compassion and reconciliation, values that resonate deeply with the communal culture and shared heritage of the Niger Delta people.

“Christmas reminds us of the power of love, sacrifice and togetherness. These values align naturally with the communal spirit of the Niger Delta, where collective responsibility, mutual support and shared progress have always defined our identity,” he added.

He urged beneficiaries of the Programme and residents of the region to celebrate the season with moderation and a renewed sense of responsibility to their communities.

Otuaro wished the people of the Niger Delta a Merry Christmas and expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in greater opportunities, peace and prosperity for the region and the nation at large.

“As we step into the New Year, I am confident that with continued unity, peace and collaboration, the Niger Delta will record even greater progress. I wish our people a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year,” the PAP Administrator stated.

News

Okpebholo Slams ₦25bn Libel Suit On Edo PDP Chairman

Published

9 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has given Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, a seven-day ultimatum to pay ₦25 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

In a letter by the governor’s counsel, Ray Okezie, and addressed to Aziegbemi, the PDP State Chairmen was also requested to publish a public apology in three national dailies over the alleged defamatory statements.

Aziegbemi was said to have allegedly accused the governor of using thugs and non-state actors to carry out official duties.

“In the letter dated December 22, 2025, and titled ‘Demand for Damages and Apologies for Defamation of the Character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,’ the PDP Chairman was said to have in a press statement of December 7, 2025 portrayed Okpebholo as an unintelligent, dishonest, and, lawless person.

“Accordingly, we have the instructions of our client to demand from you the sum of N25, 000,000,000.00 (Twenty Five Billion Naira only) being compensation for the damage you have inflicted on his reputation through your said press release.

“The above stated sum must get to our client within seven (7) clear days from the date of this letter. In addition, you are required within seven (7) days to publish a retraction of the said press release in three (3) National Newspapers which must include the Guardian and the Vanguard newspapers,” the letter partly reads.

The governor’s counsel threatened to proceed on legal action in any Nigerian court should the PDP State Chairman fail to comply with the demands

News

YULETIDE: UBTH CMD Charges Nigerians To Be Hopeful In Coming Year

Published

12 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the upcoming year, despite current challenges.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed optimism that the coming year would bring improvements for everyone.

The CMD made these remarks during the Nine Lessons and Carol night /End of Year Party organized by UBTH for staff and students held in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu encouraged everyone to place their trust solely in Christ to overcome the numerous challenges facing the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the hospital community for their support during her first four months in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured them that the coming years hold many opportunities and that hope in Christ would transform lives daily, just as Christ’s birth brings joy and is the reason for the season.

She also extended her appreciation to everyone in the spirit of the season.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the spirit of the season. Our commitment to excellence and professionalism remains at UBTH.

“UBTH CARES and just like Christ cares. As we celebrate Christ and the season. Let’s hope on him. When you have Christ, you have hope.We are hopeful that the coming year will be better as a people and institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The ceremony’s highlight featured a visit to the hospital wards where the CMD distributed gifts to patients and newborns, with management, staff, and students in attendance.