by Iyobosa Omoregie

Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and a member of the Benin royal family, Prince Ekpen Erediuawa, are presently enmeshed in a discord of sorts over a parcel of land.

Prince Ekpen Erediauwa resigned his appointment as Executive Director (Government House), after alleging that Oshiomhole harassed and threatened his life over the land he acquired from the Federal Government some years ago.

As a result of this, Prince Erediauwa says he will institute a legal action against the governor.

He said: “There is a parcel of land at Okoro-Otun Avenue, GRA Benin. It is a Federal Government property based on investigations I conducted a few years ago. I made some contacts and acquired the land.”

“Last week, the governor invited me and asked about the property, I said yes, I owned it and that some people were working on the land and I stopped them. I told him that the land belongs to me, and he asked me to stay away from the land.”

“He said if I don’t stay away from the land, he would arrest me. He said if I send anybody there, the person will be physically manhandled. My lawyers are looking into the matter.”

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government, on Wednesday, February 18, categorically refuted the allegation.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Louis Odion said: “Our attention has been drawn to a wild allegation made by Ekpen Erediauwa that Governor Oshiomhole, was after his life over a parcel of land.

“This is nothing but an amateurish attempt at blackmail. The truth is that the young man had taken to a career of land speculation, engaging armed thugs to harass hapless developers all over town. He was enjoined to desist from these nefarious activities. It would have made sense if the young man had provided proof of ownership of the land he is laying claims to.”

“Truly, these are political times when idle hands would push anything for bread and butter. I think it is quite instructive that the young man permitted himself the liberty to tell these funny lies yesterday in company of Edo PDP Chairman, Mr. Daniel Orbih.”

Reacting to the development, the state chairman of the party, Chief Orbih, has implored commissioners from Edo South to resign their appointments if the governor fails to return the parcel of land to Prince Erediauwa, within seven days.

Kolapo Olapoju