Mrs Esther Osadiaye, a widow and resident of Ogheghe Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, is currently facing a threat to her property, which she bought in 1976 with her husband, late Hon. Osadiaye. The land, measuring 2000 by 2000, was purchased from the Enogie of Ogheghe in Upper Siluko Road, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. However, the land is now being claimed by some persons in Obagie, a neighboring village, as they try to take over the land forcefully.
Despite the fact that Mrs. Esther Osadiaye has already won the case in the High Court in Okada without any appeal and received a positive judgement from the Odionwere of Ogheghe and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11 in 2017, some persons in Obagie Community are not willing to give up their claim to the land.
After just one year of the judgement, some Obagie persons attempted to take over the land, selling parts of it bit by bit and setting the palm trees on the land on fire. This action has left Mrs. Esther Osadiaye in a state of distress and fear. She is appealing to the relevant authorities to intervene and protect her property from further encroachment by the Obagie community. Mrs.Osadiaye acquired the land 48 years ago and has invested a lot of resources in developing the land.
In addition, she revealed that she gets a source of living from the land through which she paid her children’s school fees. She has also been a responsible member of the community and has contributed positively to the growth and development of the community.
The situation has caused a lot of tension between the two communities, and the people of Ogheghe are worried that the matter may escalate into a full-blown conflict. The government and other relevant authorities have been called upon to intervene and resolve the issue amicably. Mrs Osadiaye is urging the government to take swift action to ensure that justice is served and that her rights are protected. She said: “I want the government of Nigeria, the Governor of Edo State to come to my aid. I am a widow. It is from that land I get money to feed my children and pay their school fees. I am crying to the world to come help me posses my land.
The case of Mrs. Osadiaye Esther is a clear example of how property rights can be threatened in Nigeria. It is important for the government to take the necessary steps to protect the rights of citizens and ensure that justice is served.
Report says the woman won the case in the Palace of the Oba of Benin with a letter clarifying that the property belongs to her. She also won the case in a High Court in Okada without any appeal. She is now wondering why the encroachment with an alleged threat of death coming from the (Youth Leader), Okaighele of Obagie in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. This she said must be checked.
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