News

Boundary Dispute: Court Dismisses Edo Community’s Appeal, Upholds Benin Monarch’s Resolution

Published

8 months ago

May 7, 2025

The Appeal Court Sitting in Benin has dismissed an appeal filed by Egbirhe Community, challenging the judgement of the Edo State High Court which upheld the resolution conducted by the Oba of Benin on boundary dispute between Okhuoromi and the Appellants.

The claimants (Egbirhe ) had in suit marked B/361/2019, dragged the respondents (Okhuoromi), both in Oredo Local Government Area in Edo before the Edo State High Court 1, presided over then by the former Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esther Edigin (rtd).

The claimants, amongst others, claimed that the Resolution of the Customary Arbitration conducted by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II was compromised by the palace emissaries sent by the monarch to carryout the boundary demarcation for the parties in dispute

Egbirhe prayed the trial court to set aside the resolution of the Oba and declare them owners of the area in dispute.

Ruling on the matter, the trial court held that the resolution of the Benin Monarch stands, adding that Egbirhe are not only binded by the resolution but also estopped from instituting any suit in whatsoever form on the issues determined by the Oba.

“They (Egbirhe) are bound by the decision of the Oba as the decision is against them. The Oba’s decision stands.

“The Claim suit is uncalled for, most unnecessary, and a waste of precious time that this Court would channeled to other cases. Claimants’ suit is dismissed in its entirety”, the trial Court held

Aggrieved with the judgement of the trial court, Egbirhe through their counsel, E.O. Eghobamien (SAN), filed a Notice of appeal on May 14, 2021, containing five grounds of appeal at the Appeal Court, and prayed the court to grant their appeal.

On their part, the Respondents (Okhuoromi) through their counsel, Prince P.E. Uwadiae Esq, prayed the court to dismiss the appeal, claiming that it lacks merit and affirm the decision of the trial Court.

The 3-mam Appeal Court headed by Justice Bitrus Gyarazama Sanga, in a unanimous decision held that the appeal was bereft of merit.

“It is hereby dismissed and the judgement delivered by E.A. Edigin, CJ; on 28th April, 2021 in Suit No. B/361/2019 is affirmed”.

Reacting to the appeal court ruling, elders of Okhuoromi community during a press conference commended the court for standing for justice by affirming the decision of the trial Court.

News

Okpebholo Slams ₦25bn Libel Suit On Edo PDP Chairman

Published

34 seconds 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

3 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.

News

Christmas: Edo Deputy Gov Preaches Unity, Hope

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa has called on residents of the state to embrace unity, love, and renewed hope as Christians celebrate Christmas.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa emphasised that Christmas represents values that unite people, regardless of tribe, religion, or politics, promoting compassion, generosity, and peace.

He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a timeless reminder of the values of peace, sacrifice, and compassion, which he said are critical to societal growth and harmonious coexistence.

He urged Edo people to take advantage of the festive season to strengthen communal ties, extend goodwill to the less privileged, and recommit themselves to the collective development of the state.

The deputy governor further said that Christmas underscores the importance of shared humanity and collective responsibility in building a prosperous society.

“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the power of hope and shared humanity.

“As a people, we must continue to stand together, support one another, and work collectively for a more prosperous Edo State,” Idahosa said.

He reassured residents of the state of the firm commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to enthrone good governance, inclusive development, and people-oriented policies aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of all Edo citizens.

Idahosa also appealed to residents to celebrate the season responsibly and sustain peace and harmony before, during, and after the festivities.

He wished Christians a joyous Christmas celebration and prayed for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Edo State.