BENIN: Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has signed into law two major legislations – the Edo State Public Property Protection Law, 2025 and the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025 – aimed at strengthening institutional integrity, protecting state assets and improving access to justice.
In a statement issued Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the government said the new Public Property Protection Law prescribes up to ten years’ imprisonment for violent or forceful entry into government-owned property and a five-year jail term for unauthorized sale or transfer of state assets without the Governor’s consent.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo described the laws as part of his administration’s broader efforts to restore discipline and transparency across government institutions.
“Public assets belong to the people of Edo State, not individuals. This law ensures that no one, no matter how highly placed, can appropriate public property for private gain,” the Governor was quoted as saying.
The legislation also establishes the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, a statutory body empowered to oversee, safeguard, and recover all public properties belonging to the state. The committee will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to prevent unauthorized occupation, encroachment, vandalism, or misuse of government assets, and may initiate legal action against offenders through the Ministry of Justice.
The law further imposes sanctions on professionals who aid or abet illegal land transactions involving government property. Such individuals will face prosecution and referral to their professional associations for disciplinary action. In addition, filing false petitions or fraudulent claims over public lands will attract severe penalties.
In a related development, the statement noted that Governor Okpebholo also assented to the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025, which reconstitutes the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal as a superior court of record, in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Under the new framework, the Court will have appellate and supervisory jurisdiction over civil proceedings involving customary law and original jurisdiction over traditional and chieftaincy disputes in the state.
The President of the Court 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 will serve on the bench, each with at least ten years’ post-call experience and proven expertise in customary law practice.
To strengthen judicial independence, the salaries and allowances of the President and Judges of the Court are to be charged directly on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo, according to the statement, said the re-establishment of the Customary Court of Appeal reaffirms his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the state’s cultural and traditional values.
“The re-establishment of the Customary Court of Appeal is a reaffirmation of Edo’s commitment to accessible justice, respect for traditional values, and fidelity to the Constitution,” he said.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, while commending the Governor’s initiative, described the two laws as “a new era in asset governance and judicial integrity,” noting that they would serve as vital tools for institutional renewal and the preservation of Edo State’s moral and material heritage.
The statement concluded that the signing of the new laws marks another milestone in Governor Okpebholo’s reform agenda, underscoring his administration’s resolve to enforce accountability, safeguard public resources, and strengthen justice delivery across the state.
