Edo State Government Brokers Peace Between Investors and Host Communities in Ovia North East and Ovia South West
In a significant move to foster harmony and mutual understanding, the Edo State Government has successfully mediated a resolution between investors and the host communities of Iguomo, Egbetta, and Usen, located in the Ovia North East and Ovia South West Local Government Areas. The communities, led by HRH Oluogbe II, Elawure of Usen, had expressed concerns over the allocation of a forest reserve to investors by the previous administration without proper consultation.
The forest reserve in question had been arbitrarily assigned to companies by the immediate past government, causing tension among the host communities whose livelihoods predominantly depend on farming. The Edo State Government recognized the urgent need for dialogue and convened a meeting with all stakeholders to address the underlying issues and restore peace.
As part of the resolutions, the government proposed the drafting of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to clarify outstanding issues and facilitate smoother operations for the investors while respecting the rights and interests of the host communities.
A key outcome of the negotiations was the government's successful insistence on increasing the buffer zone from 5 percent, as previously agreed with investors, to 10 percent. This buffer zone, which constitutes a 100 percent increase, is critical in protecting the farming activities and livelihoods of approximately 80 percent of the local population in these communities.
The Edo State Government commended HRH Oluogbe II, Elawure of Usen, for his exemplary and fatherly leadership throughout the mediation process. Investors have also been urged to maintain peaceful and respectful relations with the host communities moving forward.
This development underscores the state's commitment to people-oriented governance and sustainable community development as it balances economic growth with social responsibility.