THE Edo State Government said it revoked the Certificate of Occupancy of 11 government properties allotted to former political office holders, companies and private individuals as parting gifts on the eve of the exit of former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, from office, including the one given to Governor Godwin Obaseki last December.

Some of the buildings situated at the Government Reserved Areas, which included that of a former deputy governor of the state, Pius Odubu, were demolished on Tuesday, an action that generated a lot of outcry in the state.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, on Thursday indicated that the properties had been revoked and recovered, and therefore automatically belonged to the original owner, Edo State Government.

The statement added that the persons occupying the said properties were doing so illegally and as trespassers.

Ogie noted, “One of the properties which the C-of-O was revoked was allocated to Governor Obaseki. The properties have been revoked and recovered and therefore automatically belong to the original owner, which is the Government of Edo State. Therefore, the persons occupying the said properties are doing so illegally and are trespassers.

“It is instructive to note that one of the properties in question to which a former deputy governor of the state, Dr. Pius Odubu, lays claim is actually the official Lodge of the SSG. The implication of this is that all SSGs after Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s administration will not have an official residence.

“If they are allowed to be taken over by these private individuals, it means that when government wants to embark on any project within the GRA, it will have to resort to purchasing from the open market.”

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