₦airaland Forum

By Ogochukwu Isioma

In a significant legal victory, the High Court of Justice in Benin has ruled in favour of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former governorship candidate and his company I.O. Farms in a high-stakes land dispute with the Edo State Government and its Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

The ruling comes same day the Federal High Court in Abuja failed to set aside the reinstatement of Comrade Philip Shaibu as Edo State Deputy Governor as sought by the Obaseki-led state government.

The court’s judgment, delivered in suit number 8/637/2021, centered on the defendant, Obaseki’s purported revocation of the claimant, Ize-Iyamu’s right of occupancy to a parcel of land located in Amagba Village, Benin City.

After carefully examining the case, the court unequivocally sided with Pastor Ize-Iyamu, declaring the revocation as unconstitutional, illegal, and invalid.

The landmark ruling highlighted several key legal violations by the Edo State Government. First, the court stated that the governor’s revocation of the claimants’ land rights failed to adhere to the due process mandated by Section 28 of the Land Use Act of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The defendants were found to have disregarded the proper procedures required when revoking land for “overriding public interest.”

Furthermore, the court granted a perpetual injunction, restraining the defendants and their agents from encroaching on the disputed land. This decisive move ensures that Pastor Ize-Iyamu and I.O. Farms retain full and unhindered rights to the property.

In addition to restoring the claimants’ land rights, the court awarded substantial damages. Pastor Ize-Iyamu and I.O. Farms were granted ₦5 million in general damages, as well as ₦200,000 in legal costs, to compensate for the trespass committed by the defendants.

This victory holds significant implications, not only for Pastor Ize-Iyamu but also for the broader issue of land ownership rights in Nigeria. The court’s ruling reinforces the importance of adhering to the Land Use Act and the due process required when government authorities seek to revoke land rights, even for purported public interest purposes.

Residents of Edo State have reacted with a mix of shock and outrage, particularly in light of reports that the outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki has also reportedly revoked the certificate of occupancy of a late Benin billionaire, Captain Hosa Okunbor’s farmland. Many have decried these actions as “extraordinary wickedness” and a continuation of the governor’s perceived vendetta against his political opponents.

For Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, this legal victory represents a significant triumph, not only in the immediate dispute but also in upholding the integrity of the judiciary and the rule of law. The High Court’s ruling serves as a testament to the importance of persevering in the pursuit of justice, even in the face of powerful adversaries.

https://metrowatchxtra.com/2024/09/24/another-heavy-blow-for-obaseki-as-court-upholds-ize-iyamus-land-rights/

Edo... The intrigues continues...

Please obaseki doctors should be with him 24/7 e get why

EFCC will be knocking on obaseki soon

Na make Obaseki resign remain like this!

The Wotowoto too much

Wetin go up must surely come down .. if you think you get power today remember the day , you no go get the power again .. so pathetic.. Effcc too go wan flex muscle on him as soon as his tenure finishes

Make Dem no Kee obaseki oOoOO

Why does he keep fighting n taking laws into his hands.His d cause of his own defeat

Obaseki collecting left, right and center.
Obaseki collecting from all angles.

We told them is not good to disgrace one's benefactors, they termed our sincere opinions as an act of cowardice.

He who laughed last; laughed best.

The Judge probably waited till after the election to give the judgement. Obaseki is finished so there is no point fearing him again.

Obaseki’s woes are even just starting. Once Monday Okpebolo takes over, the real shege will start. Everything he owns in Edo state will be demolished. He will be fed with the exact wickedness he fed to opposition members like Kabaka, Ize-Iyamu etc and he won’t get any public sympathy. His worst fears are about to become his reality.

Power is transient.

He deserves all the crushing blows!

Pastor Ize Iyamu, the Governor that was never meant to be.

Observation

Obaseki will soon take terminal leave, hypertension may kill him
Na Phillip go hand over to Monday

yarimo:
Please obaseki doctors should be with him 24/7 e get why

I am currently masturbating to this news
but i neva cum yet

Power is transient and nothing last forever....when you're in position of power,apply wisdom, it'll save you a lot

But Obaseki witch-hunt is too much, why seize his land? He should not forget that he is not going to be in power for ever. What goes around comes around.

🫤

Obasaki singlehandedly killed PDP in Edo state

Right now, the easiest case to win in edo state is for you to just mention obaseki.
Even if you alleged that he stole your yam be sure the court will give it back to you. Obaseki end no sweet at all.

Typical of an average person! Power is temporal and fleeing too. It's only few that refused to get intoxicated by power and authority. Husband, please treat your family well and with respect couple with fairness for you'll be at the receiving end in the later years. MD and CEO, please , kindly treat your employees with deep respect and be fair to all. Don't allow this power to get I to your head and you start playing God, for Nebuchadnezzar and King Agrippa were made example for us to learn humility!

Jokes apart, that niggar seem to really abused the power vested in his office. Typical daft African leader.

Obaseki stepped on many toes.

Lol..

Gov Obaseki seems to be losing everything..

He should use the remaining weeks left to make amends and try to reconcile with those allies he may have offended.

I feel so sorry for Godwin Obaseki... You soiled your name o.

TinkTwice:

EFCC will be knocking on obaseki soon

people will forget him moment he leaves office.

Ipob,s don push am to him doom leave am! Where are the people asking him to contest for president?? Where are the people taunting the president,edo nobe Lagos? Who have the last laugh now?? Ipob,s rally round fuburat now oooo! Them Dey pile him cane!

What about kabaka hotel mak he demolished who won give am back

Edo people and stupid politics that are not for the greater good ..🤔

Ugly Obaseki just dey collect wotowoto from left, right and center.

Revoking the land of the late philanthropist too, Obaseki why na?