By Titus Oise,Benin A property developer whose houses were demolished allegedly on the orders of Mr. Frank Irabor, the secretary to Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has cried out for justice; even as he said four other house owners affected by the demolition are currently hospitalized arising from shock over loss of properties.Over 60 houses were reportedly demolished during the operation last week at Ulegun community in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo State.The developer who identified himself as Osaro Ihankpan said he had so far expended #38 million in the last 12 years on the buildings which he said were at the filling and roofing level respectively when it was demolished.”I am no longer myself. I am just standing here as a man. There’s one woman and three others who are battling thier lifes after they destroyed their houses”.”I want the Edo State government and the federal government to come to my aid. I bought the land and paid before I started building”, he stated.Mr. Frank Irabor had earlier told journalists that the land measuring 225.47 hectares were the houses were built belong to the Oba of Benin, adding, “those who built on the land should go and meet those who sold the land to them”. Meanwhile, the leaders of Ulegun Community at the weekend insisted that they didn’t at anytime give the said land to the Benin Monarch.Mr. Raymond Enogieru who spoke on behalf of the leaders accused the leadership of a neighboring community (Ukhiri) and the palace secretary of bringing the revered institution to disrepute.On Thursday,last week ,Justice Mary Itsueli of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City ordered that Mr.Irabor and six others should be remanded to prison custody pending receipt of legal advice by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). The police is prosecuting the accused following protests by the community for justice over the illegal destruction of their property as well as alleged intimidation, harassment and disregard for the rule of law.
