Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has escalated his feud with the palace of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, by seizing control of burrow pits in the Obagie N’ Evbosa area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
The Governor during a recent visit to the burrow pits, condemned their operations as illegal and detrimental to Benin City’s environment and criticized Federal mining officers for allegedly granting unauthorized permits for the pits’ operation.
He also vowed to take stringent measures against the Federal Government mining officials in his bid to halt what he termed “illegal mining of sands” which are environmental threats to the state capital.
However, this week the Governor allocated control of these pits to Roland Ogbebor, the suspended scepter bearer to Oba Ewuare II, who is currently embroiled in corruption allegations with the EFCC.
“This action raises serious concerns about governance and environmental protection in our state,” remarked a concerned resident who preferred anonymity.
“While the environmental risks must be addressed, the manner in which this allocation was made, to an individual facing corruption charges, raises ethical questions.”
The palace of the Benin Monarch has yet to officially respond to these developments, but sources close to Oba Ewuare II express disappointment and describe the governor’s actions as provocative and disrespectful to the traditional institution.
