Group seeks redress for illegal land acquisition by palm oil companies

A socio-economic group, Onitsha Zone Shareholders’ Association has dragged
Okomu Oil Palm and Presco Plc to Edo State government, seeking payment of compensation for 36,388 hectares of land illegally grabbed from communities for their operations during the regime of Godwin Obaseki in the State.

Bishop Goodluck Akpore who led the group made the allegation during a protest visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo in Government House in Benin City.

Fred Itua Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, said on Sunday in a statement, said the Cleric cited adverse economic impact on the State and impacted Communities
if injustice is tolerated.

He said the group also uncovered plans by Afrinvest, a company owned by a former Obaseki to sell N100 billion bond with the aim of converting them to his personal shares of the companies listed in Nigerian Stock Exchange In the future.

Presenting a Report highlighting issues involving Okomu Oil Palm and Presco Plc, Akore urged Governor Okpebholo to initiate a thorough investigation and take corrective actions to mitigate any further harm.

The further accused the past administration of failing to enforce tax collection from the companies, despite their significant profits without paying attention to their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in areas of operations.

According to him, “A trailer load of palm oil leaving Edo State for Lagos is valued at around ₦80 million,” Akpore stated. “Yet, these companies neither remit taxes nor compensate for the lands they have used freely”.

Responding to the issues raised by the group, Governor Okpebholo, pledged to launch a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, and emphasized his administration’s commitment to protect the interests of Edo people.

The Governor assured the group that all irregularities would be addressed, and those found culpable would face appropriate sanctions.

“We will seek a peaceful resolution and invite Presco and Okomu Oil Palm to a meeting to discuss these issue.

“While we recognize their contributions to the State’s economy, they must ensure fair contributions and uphold their responsibilities to the host Communities”, according to him.

Recall that Crusoe Osagie, the Media handler of Godwin Obaseki had in a previous statement, threatened issued a 7-day ultimatum to Akpore to retract his ‘unfounded allegations’, else face litigation.