Governor Okpebholo Shakes Edo State With Landmark New Laws!

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has signed two landmark laws aimed at safeguarding public assets and strengthening the state’s justice system.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The new legislation—the Edo State Public Property Protection Law, 2025 and the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025—forms part of the government’s broader reforms to promote transparency, discipline, and adherence to the rule of law, according to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.

The Public Property Protection Law imposes strict penalties on anyone who illegally acquires, tampers with, or sells state-owned assets without authorization. Offenders face up to five years in prison for unauthorized sales or transfers, while violent or forceful entry into public property could lead to ten years behind bars, depending on the offense.

Governor Okpebholo described the law as a clear signal that his administration will not tolerate corruption or the misuse of public resources. “Public assets belong to the people of Edo State, not individuals. This law ensures that no one, regardless of rank, can exploit public property for personal gain,” he said.

The law also establishes the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, a statutory body tasked with safeguarding and recovering public assets. The committee is empowered to identify, inspect, seal, and reclaim encroached lands and assets, working closely with law enforcement to ensure offenders face prosecution. Professionals, including surveyors, lawyers, or agents who assist in fraudulent land transactions involving state property, are also liable for sanctions and disciplinary actions by their professional associations. The law further criminalizes false petitions or fraudulent claims over government land, imposing stringent penalties to deter such abuses.

In the same legislative session, Governor Okpebholo also signed the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025, officially restoring the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal as a superior court of record under the 1999 Constitution. The court will exercise appellate and supervisory powers over civil cases involving customary law and original jurisdiction in matters relating to chieftaincy and traditional titles.

The Court President will be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly. Six other judges with at least ten years of post-call experience and expertise in customary law will serve on the bench. To preserve judicial independence, the salaries and allowances of the President and judges will be charged directly to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state.

Governor Okpebholo said the court’s re-establishment “reaffirms Edo’s commitment to accessible justice, respect for traditional values, and fidelity to the Constitution,” adding that a functional judicial system is essential for good governance, peace, and investor confidence.

Commending the Governor, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice described the laws as ushering in “a new era in asset governance and judicial integrity,” noting that they will serve as “critical instruments for institutional renewal and the protection of Edo’s moral and material heritage.”