Nigerian Army—Oghede Land Conflict: Enogie, Elders Pay Thank You Visit to Senator Imasuen

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By Correspondent

The Enogie of Oghede, His Royal Highness Osadebawen Aghahowa, along with elders, youths and indigenes of the community, yesterday July 7, 2025, paid an unscheduled visit to Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, at his private residence in Benin City.

Enogie Aghahowa described the occasion as a “thank you visit” for the Senator’s intervention in the lingering land dispute between Oghede community and the Nigerian Army.

*Senator Imasuen receiving relevant documents from Enogie Aghahowa and his team, while Chief Iyasere looks on*

During the meeting, Senator Imasuen reaffirmed his determination to ensure peaceful and lasting resolution to the lingering land conflict which escalated recently after the Nigerian Army started the demolition of some buildings on the disputed lands.

While addressing the delegation and the Press, the Senator stressed the need for peace and recapped the steps he has taken so far, including engagement with the Commandant of the 4th Mechanised Brigade, Brigadier General Ebenezer Odutoye and the subsequent visit to the flash-point as well as the palace of Enogie.

“We have managed to broker a ceasefire — the Army has agreed to halt further demolitions, while the community has committed to suspending any further land sales in the area until the issue is fully resolved,” Senator Imasuen stated.

“We have restored a level of calm, and I commend the cooperation of both the Army and the Enogie.

“I have taken note of additional concerns raised today, and I intend to escalate the matter further with military authorities in Benin and Abuja. I will also brief Governor Monday Okpebholo so that we can jointly work towards a sustainable solution.”

The Enogie, HRH Osadebawen Aghahowa, thanked the Senator for his swift and effective intervention, noting that his involvement helped douse community tensions and restored hope among affected residents.

Civil Rights Activist and coordinator of the Freedom Ambassador Organisation, Mr Curtis Ogbebor, also praised Senator Imasuen’s commitment, describing his intervention as instrumental to the current calm.

“We have contacted several authorities, including the Chief of Army Staff, and sought the Senator’s assistance. Thankfully, we have seen progress — but true peace cannot exist without justice, and that remains our goal,” Ogbebor said.

Following the open session, the Senator and the delegation moved into a closed-door meeting to further deliberate on long-term strategies to resolve the dispute.

Chief Emmanuel Iyase, the Okao-Eguae of Ologbo and Ehor dukedoms in Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwonde Local Government Areas also witnessed the deliberations.

The land conflict between Oghede and the Nigerian Army has lasted for several years as a result of allegations of encroachment which led to demolition of property recently.

Senator Imasuen’s intervention comes at a time when both the federal government and state governments are concerned about the rate of insecurity in Nigeria and Edo State. Stakeholders are praising Imasuen’s effort as “timely and commendable.”