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Gov Okpebholo To Probe Mass Demolition of Homes During Obaseki’s Tenure

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the controversial acquisition of community lands and demolitions carried out by the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki.

This announcement was made during Governor Okpebholo’s visit on Monday to the affected communities of Oke-Oroma, Irhirhi-Obazagbon, and Ogheghe, located in Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas.

READ ALSO: Cholera Outbreak In Sokoto Claims 25 Lives, Over 1,000 Infected

The visit came two years after the demolition of over 100 houses in the area, which rendered thousands homeless and caused property losses estimated in billions of naira.

In his remarks, the governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to justice and accountability.

“I remember that during my campaign here, I promised to come back, and now I am here. We hate injustice in this administration. That is why we are here and happy to meet all of you. We will listen to your voices,” he said.

Okpebholo assured the residents that the inquiry would thoroughly examine the rationale behind the demolition and subsequent acquisition of the lands by the previous government.

The findings will guide actions to return the lands to their rightful owners, if deemed appropriate.

He added, “In the next few days, I will invite you to the Government House and back it up with actions. A few days from now, we will set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into this land issue so that we can return your lands to you after the findings.

“If Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) have been issued on the lands and the reports confirm this, I will revoke them and return the lands to the people.”

The governor also promised to prioritize security in the affected areas, stating, “Our responsibility as a government is to provide security.

I will speak with the appropriate authorities, and security personnel will come in here to restore peace.”

The controversial demolitions occurred in October 2022, under the administration of Godwin Obaseki.

At the time, the state government claimed it had legally acquired the 1,229 hectares of land in 2017 for a new urban project known as “Coral City.”

According to Chris Nehikhare, the then-Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, 106 structures were marked for demolition, with 24 slated to be repurposed as government offices.

However, affected residents disputed the state’s claims, insisting they had legally acquired their plots.

The demolitions led to widespread criticism, with many describing the government’s actions as unjust and heavy-handed.

The Coral City project, a planned urban development estimated to cost N20 billion for its first phase, was aimed at transforming the area with new infrastructure.

During an engagement in 2023, developers expressed optimism about completing the first phase within six to nine months, citing support from financial partners.

 

Politics

“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

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Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

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There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition

Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

 

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Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

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The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

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