Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has signed two significant bills into law: the Edo State Public Property Protection Law, 2025 and the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025.
In a statement released on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo said the new laws underscore his administration’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the protection of state-owned assets from misuse and illegal acquisition.
The Public Property Protection Law establishes the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, a statutory body tasked with safeguarding, recovering, and managing government assets. The committee will collaborate with security agencies to prevent encroachment, vandalism, and unlawful occupation of public property.
The law also authorizes the committee to seal, reclaim, and initiate legal action against offenders through the Ministry of Justice.
Strict penalties are provided: five years’ imprisonment for unauthorized sale or transfer of public property and up to ten years for violent or forceful entry into government-owned assets.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the new framework reflects his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption and impunity, noting that public property belongs to the people of Edo State, not individuals. He warned that professionals involved in illegal land transactions will face prosecution and potential disciplinary measures from their regulatory bodies. Filing false claims over government land will also attract severe sanctions.
Since assuming office, the governor has intensified efforts to recover public assets, appointing Eugene Okoloise as Managing Director of the Edo State Task Force for the Protection of Government Properties—a unit that has already reclaimed several buildings and parcels of land.
In another development, the governor also signed the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025, reinstating the court as a superior court of record in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The reinstated court will handle appeals and supervisory matters related to customary law, in addition to having original jurisdiction over chieftaincy and traditional stool disputes.
Under the new law, the President of the Court will be appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly. Six judges with at least 10 years’ post-call experience in customary law will serve on the bench.
To ensure judicial independence, the remuneration of the President and judges will be sourced directly from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Governor Okpebholo described the court’s restoration as a reaffirmation of Edo State’s commitment to accessible justice, respect for cultural values, and constitutional fidelity.
Commending the governor, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice said the new legislations represent “a new era of asset governance and judicial integrity,” reinforcing institutional accountability while preserving the state’s moral and material heritage.
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