Oke-Oroma Elders Raise Concern Over Attempt to Revive Coral City Project
- Elders of Oke-Oroma community raised concern over alleged attempts to revive the suspended Coral City project in Edo State
- The community commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his promise to resolve the Oke-Oroma land dispute and return ancestral lands to rightful owners
- The elders appealed to all stakeholders to maintain peace and support the government’s ongoing efforts to prevent renewed tensions in the area
Elders of the Oke-Oroma community in Edo State have expressed concern over what they described as attempts by some officials within the Edo State Geographic Information Service (Edo-GIS) to revive the previously suspended Coral City project initiated under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Community appeals for clarity
Source: Twitter
In a statement signed by the Head of the Community, Gaius Emokpae, and the Secretary, Monday Omorogiuwa, the elders said the community is aware of recent activities that suggest efforts to reintroduce the Coral City project under a new guise.
They urged the Edo State Government to clarify its position on the matter and ensure that the decisions already taken by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration regarding the Oke-Oroma land are upheld.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo, upon assuming office, promised to resolve all issues related to the Oke-Oroma land dispute. He assured us that due process would be followed to return our ancestral lands to rightful owners,” Emokpae stated.
Background to the dispute
The Edo State Government had, in a statement dated October 8, 2025, cautioned land grabbers and encroachers to stay away from lands in the Obagie community, which were previously designated for the Coral City project.
The government said the move was to prevent further disputes and ensure peace in the affected areas.
The Oke-Oroma elders said they were grateful for the governor’s intervention but called for vigilance to ensure that no group or agency undermines the ongoing peace efforts.
Community calls for peace
The statement noted that the Oke-Oroma community, which dates back to the 15th century, has faced recurring boundary disputes with neighbouring villages, including Amagba and Obazagbon in Oredo Local Government Area and Obagie N’vbiosa in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area.
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According to the elders, the disputes have previously resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property, which they are determined to avoid.
“We appeal to all stakeholders to prioritise peace and support the government’s efforts to find lasting solutions. Our community stands ready to cooperate fully with the state government to ensure stability and progress,” the elders said.
They also urged individuals and groups to desist from any actions that could reignite tensions or disrupt the peaceful resolution process being led by the current administration.
Source: Legit.ng
