OBASEKI SIGNS CDA BILL INTO LAW, MEETS WITH OBA EWUARE II

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Wednesday signed into law a bill prohibiting forceful and illegal occupation of landed property by Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the State, after which the governor proceeded to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II to present a copy of the law to him.

Governor Obaseki signing CDA Bill into Law

 

Speaker EDHA, Dr. Justin Okonobo, Deputy Hon. Elizabeth Ativie and Governor Obaseki

 

Governor Obaseki speaking with the Oba of Benin

 

Oba of Benin, Governor Obaseki, Palace Chiefs and Government Functionaries

The Oba, in his coronation speech, had decried the act of unlawful land acquisition that had characterised the CDAs; this he said had also affected land acquisition and development by citizens and investors in the state, calling for the move to scrap out their activities in the state.

Presenting the bill to the governor for his signature, the speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Justin Okonoboh said the new law was not only about prohibiting CDA's activities in the state, but also about prohibiting forceful entry into people's landed property and protecting widows' rights to their husbands' property.

Governor Obaseki also commended the Oba for his support in making the law a success.

He, however, urged the Chief Justice of the state and security agencies to support implementation of the law in the state, adding that a task force chaired by retired Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase had been constituted to drive the enforcement of the law and supervise all matters related to the law.

Governor Obaseki urged the public to be familiar with the provisions of the law and abide by them, adding that ignorance of the law is no excuse.

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II said the new law signified a major milestone both in the Obaseki-led administration  and in his reign commending the governor and the Edo House of Assembly for their swiftness in the passage of the Bill into law.

The Oba also assured the affected youths of their rehabilitation and empowerment.

REPORT BY KINGSLEY UCHEGBU