Edo Deputy Governor, Hon. Bright Iyamu Undertake Emergency Assessment Visit to Iguelaba Over Alleged Mosogar Encroachment

By Osaretin Omo-Egharevba

The Member representing Orhionmwon South Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Bright Aitenguoba Iyamu, on Friday joined the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on an emergency assessment visit to Iguelaba Community following disturbing reports of land trespass, harassment, and assault allegedly committed by the neighbouring Mosogar Community of Delta State.

The visit, led by the Deputy Governor in his capacity as Chairman of the Edo State Boundary Committee, was undertaken to obtain firsthand insight into the brewing cross-border tensions and engage critical stakeholders from the affected Edo communities.

A town hall meeting convened during the visit brought together representatives of the Enogie of Oben, alongside the Odionweres of Oben, Iguelaba, and Ikobi communities. Addressing the gathering, Hon. Bright Iyamu condemned what he described as continued encroachment and intimidation reportedly perpetrated by the Mosogar community.

He further assured residents that he would table the matter before the Edo State House of Assembly, ensuring that legislative actions reinforce the ongoing executive interventions by the State Boundary Committee under the leadership of the Deputy Governor.

Following the meeting, the delegation visited the precise site of the disputed land, trekking a considerable distance to the scenic Jameson River, which serves as the natural boundary between Edo and Delta States. The area also hosts an INEC-recognized Voting Unit (Ugbekile) under Ugu Ward in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, a feature underscoring Edo State’s administrative authority over the contested territory.

Community leaders expressed deep concern that the Mosogar community has not only occupied Edo land but has also compelled companies operating in the area including Ellah Lakes PLC, Seplat, and others to execute Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and remit taxes to the Delta State Government. This, they said, denies the legitimate Edo host communities of benefits that should accrue to them.

Other notable members of the Edo State delegation included Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, representing Edo South on the Boundary Committee; Hon. Pius Alile, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor; and several senior government officials.