By Ijeoma Umeh
Benin City – The Edo State Private Properties Protection Committee heard 26 cases on Tuesday, April 11, with hundreds of new petitions being received and getting listed for hearing.
Among cases that came up for hearing was the case of two popular clerics, Rev. Dr. Peter Obadan, former Deputy Governor of Edo State, and Rev. Olu Aderibigbe, former NLC Chairman, Edo State, both Petitioner and Respondent in a matter to determine ownership of land in dispute.
Report Teams, comprising of Investigative Police officers attached to the Committee also read reports with a view to bringing the Committee up to speed regarding settlement of cases under their watch.
Some parties also appeared to brief the Committee on steps being taken towards peaceful resolution of their disputes as agreed upon by parties during previous hearings.
Meanwhile, Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga, Chairman of Committee has directed Parties in the case between Francis Chidiebere Ezughalu Vs Okaeghele of Ayen Community to bring all the documents required in determining the ownership of the land in dispute.
“Not just the documents, we also need to see and interact with all the parties involved as mentioned as witnesses in the petition, and those who haven’t made statements should come and make statements to enable us finalize the issue,” the Retired Honourable Justice stated. The case was adjourned till May 18 for further hearing.
Sitting continues in Benin City.
