The Edo State Government has successfully mediated a long-standing land dispute between host communities and investors in the Ovia South West and Ovia North East local government areas, a move officials say will strengthen the state’s investment climate and attract foreign capital.
The conflict revolved around the use of government forest reserve land allocated for agricultural investment particularly oil palm production projects and concerns from the Iguomon, Egbetta and Usen communities over consultation and benefit-sharing. Edo State’s leadership, represented by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, brokered peace during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City, bringing together local leaders, investors and traditional rulers.
Officials agreed to revise the terms of community participation, including increasing a buffer compensation share and creating a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to ensure ongoing collaboration on decision-making and community benefits. Idahosa emphasised that the resolution aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s people-oriented governance model and underscores the importance of harmonising investor interests with the livelihoods of host communities.
The settlement is expected to de-escalate tensions that previously threatened investor confidence and delay project implementation. Community leaders, including Oba Wilson Oluogbe II
, praised the government’s intervention, while investors committed to engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and initiatives that promote job creation and general welfare for residents.
Analysts say such proactive conflict resolution especially in agrarian regions where land use and community rights are sensitive is crucial for sustainable economic development and for positioning Edo State as an investment-friendly destination in Nigeria’s competitive sub-national economy.
