Forgery: Okpebholo Sacks EDOGIS Managing Director, Ikpasaja Over Governor’s Signature

By Correspondent

Multiple government sources have disclosed to Midwest Herald that Ikpasaja allegedly acted alone in the Presco land revocation notice. Asked if Okpebholo’s signature was forged, the highly reliable source explained that Ikpasaja allegedly superimposed the governor’s electronic signature on the revocation order.

“Yes, the signature was forged. What Ikpasaja did is that, he superimposed the electronic version of the governor’s signature on the revocation order and that’s what happened.”

Our reporters have earlier reached out to the sacked EDOGIS Managing Director to have his side of the embarrassing economic crime news, but declined the request.

“Good day Mr. Tony Ikasaja, Midwest Herald has been informed that Governor Okpebholo’s signature on this ‘Revocation Notice’ was superimposed by you.

“In line with our editorial policy of fair hearing, we need your reaction before going to press.

“Please treat as urgent!,” Midwest Herald wrote to Ikpasaja via his WhatsApp contact.

The troubled notice reads: “The Revocation of Right of Occupancy and Compensation thereof is in Pursuance of Section 28 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 (Now an Act).

“Notice is hereby given that in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by sections (28) 1 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 and by virtue of all other laws enabling me on that behalf, I, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, the Governor of Edo State of Nigeria hereby revokes the Statutory Right of Occupancy granted to Presco Plc for over-riding public interest.

“The revocation notice is on all that property known and referred to as digital Plot: No 38445, Rural Zone / B33/Ologbo, Benin City in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State measuring an area of approximately 13,545 hectares.

“The boundaries of which are described in detailed survey at the back of the Certificate of Occupancy dated 23rd day of February, 2025, which is registered as No. 133 at Page 1 in Volume 30 now kept in EDOGIS Lands Registry at Benin City, Edo State in favour of PRESCO PLC for over-riding public interest and for the fact that two oil wells are on the land.” The above was seemingly dated on the 21st day of November, 2025 and had the seal of Edo State Government with signature of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The announcement of the revocation has expectedly caused anxiety in Nigeria’s Capital Market, where Presco Plc is a major player—ranking amongst the highest, most sort after company’s share at the stock exchange.

Okpebholo may have realised the consequences of the revocation order as he has now quickly fired EDOGIS managing director from office.

In a public notice issued by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, explained that Ikpasaja sack is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to restructure and reposition EDOGIS for optimal efficiency, and improved service delivery.

“This is to announce for the information of the General Public that the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate removal of Mr. Tony Ikpasaja, Managing Director of the Edo Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), from office.

“Accordingly, the most senior officer in the Agency is hereby directed to assume office in an acting capacity, pending the appointment of a substantive Managing Director.

“This action is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to restructure and reposition EDOGIS for optimal efficiency, improved service delivery and enhanced institutional performance.” Edo government wrote.

Midwest Herald can authoritatively confirm that the security agency has invited Ikpasaja in connection with the accusation that he wrongly used Governor Okpebholo’s signature.