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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The people of Ulegun Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, yesterday, said they did not give the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, their land measuring 225.47 hectares or aware that their land has been given to the Oba, thus would not have dared to build on it.
Personal Assistant to the community head, Mr. Raymond Enogieru, disclosed this on behalf of the Enogie of the community, Sunday Eghosasere Omoregie in his palace.
Omoregie said the community holds the Oba in high esteem and will not do anything to undermine his severeighty.
He said the land in question has been a subject of litigation for several years now between the people of Ulegun and Ukhiri.
The traditional ruler said the past Oba, Oba Erediauwa, was aware of the case and the then judgement passed in favour of the people of Ulegun, yet, the Enogie of Ukhiri was bent on not relenting, adding that he (Enogie of Ukhiri) allegedly ceded the land to the monarch without the knowledge of the people of Ulegun.
The Ulegun community head stated that it was out of place to give out what one does not have as a gift to someone else without the knowledge of the owner of the said gift.
“I have never seen Enogie of Ukhiri allocating lands in Ulegun without the notice of Ulegun Enogie and as we speak now, we were never put on notice and we are not aware as indigenes of Ulegun.
“I have never seen people giving out what you don’t have and that is the funniest part of it”, he added.
Recall that over 80 buildings built on the controversial land were demolished, forcing the Ulegun community to embark on a protest, urging the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to punish the perpetrators of the illegal demolition.
Following the state government’s intervention, seven persons, including Benin palace chiefs and Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, were arrested and charged to court and subsequently remanded in prison custody last Thursday.
