Okpebholo sacks EdoGIS boss over Presco land’s revocation controversy

By Jethro Ibileke/Edo

Governor Monday Okpebholo on Thursday sacked the Managing Director of Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Tony Ikpasajah, over controversies that trailed alleged revocation of expansive land belonging to palm oil producing company, Presco plc.

Ikpasajah was sacked for allegedly misleading Okpebhoho into revoking the statutory Rights of Occupancy of Presco Oil in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor also confirmed the Ikpasajah.

According to him, Ikpasajah acted unilaterally and disregarded established procedures and misrepresenting the actual number of hectares intended for excision from PRESCO PLC land holding to Okpebholo.

The Secretary to Edo government added that formal administrative review has been launched in response to the unauthorised actions of the former EDOGIS chief and to strengthen internal controls to prevent future occurrences.

Edo State Government had also earlier denied purported revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy of 13,545 hectares of a parcel of land belonging to Presco Plc.

Presco Plc is the largest private palm oil plantation in the State and Nigeria’s biggest palm oil maker.

Edo Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, made the denial in a telephone interview on Thursday in Benin City.

Controversial Land Revocation Notice

It would be recalled that a revocation notice allegedly signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, dated November 21, 2025,

The notice that went viral had stated that the land was revoked in accordance with Sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 (Now an Act).

The notice added that the action was taken for overriding public interest and also noted that there are two oil wells on the land.

“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 notice had stated.