A son of the Oba Of Benin, Prince Ekpen Erediauwa on Wednesday, february 18, 2015 resigned his job as Executive Director (Edo State Government House) twenty four hours after announcing that Governor Adams Oshiomole had threatened his life over a piece of land he had bought from the Federal Government several years back, threatening to sue the governor over the alleged harassment and threat to his life.
Prince Erediauwa stated thus: “There is a parcel of land at Okoro-Otun Avenue, GRA Benin. It is a Federal Government property based on investigations I conducted a few years ago. I made some contacts and acquired the land.
“Last week, the governor invited me and asked about the property, I said yes, I owned it and that some people were working on the land and I stopped them. I told him that the land belongs to me, and he asked me to stay away from the land.
“He said if I don’t stay away from the land, he would arrest me. He said if I send anybody there, the person will be physically manhandled. My lawyers are looking into the matter.”
Commenting on the issue, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Louis Odion issued a statement to this effect: “Our attention has been drawn to a wild allegation made by Ekpen Erediauwa that Governor Oshiomhole, was after his life over a parcel of land.
“This is nothing but an amateurish attempt at blackmail. The truth is that the young man had taken to a career of land speculation, engaging armed thugs to harass hapless developers all over town. He was enjoined to desist from these nefarious activities.
“It would have made sense if the young man had provided proof of ownership of the land he is laying claims to.
“Truly, these are political times when idle hands would push anything for bread and butter. I think it is quite instructive that the young man permitted himself the liberty to tell these funny lies yesterday in company of Edo PDP Chairman, Mr. Daniel Orbih.”
