Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has signed two significant laws aimed at protecting public assets and strengthening the state’s justice system.

The laws, titled Edo State Public Property Protection Law, 2025 and Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025, are part of the government’s wider reforms to promote transparency, discipline, and respect for the rule of law, according to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua on Tuesday.

The new Public Property Protection Law introduces stiff penalties for anyone caught illegally acquiring or tampering with state-owned property.

Under the law, unauthorised sale or transfer of government assets without the Governor’s approval carries a five-year jail term, while anyone found guilty of violent or forceful entry into public property could face up to ten years in prison, depending on the offence.

Governor Okpebholo described the move as a clear message that his administration will not tolerate corruption or misuse of public assets. “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,” he said.

The law also establishes the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, a statutory body charged with safeguarding and recovering all public properties belonging to the state.

The committee has the authority to identify, inspect, seal, and reclaim encroached lands or assets, and to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure offenders face prosecution.

Beyond individuals who engage directly in illegal acts, professionals such as surveyors, lawyers, or agents who aid fraudulent land transactions involving state property will also face sanctions.

They could be prosecuted and referred to their professional associations for disciplinary action. The law further criminalises false petitions or fraudulent claims over government lands, imposing strict penalties to deter such practices.

In the same legislative session, Governor Okpebholo signed into law the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025, officially restoring the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal as a superior court of record, in line with the 1999 Constitution.

The court will have appellate and supervisory powers over civil cases involving customary law, as well as original jurisdiction in matters related to chieftaincy and traditional titles.

The President of the Court will be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), subject to confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly. Six other judges will serve on the bench, each with at least ten years of post-call experience and strong expertise in customary law.

To preserve the court’s independence, the salaries and allowances of its 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.” He added that a functional judicial system is key to good governance, peace, and investor confidence.

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

You may also like