By Gabriel Enogholase

BENIN—An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin,  has declared that the people of Ihonmidumu-Illeh community of Ekopma in Esan West Local Government Area of the state are the rightful owners of a parcel of land in dispute between the community and some persons from Akho- Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area of the state.

The plaintiffs had in the suit, which was first filed at Ekpoma Division of the state high court, but later transferred to Afuze Division, before it was again transferred to Benin  Division on February 25, 2005, sought a “declaration that they were entitled to a Certificate of Occupancy over the said parcel of land in dispute delineated and verged red in their Survey plan no VSP/BD89/003A

*An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, servants or privies from further trespassing on the said land and N500,000 compensation for damages for trespassing on the said land.
Trial judge, Justice Morrison Ighodalo in his judgment, said “In summary, I am of the view that the plaintiffs have succeeded in proving their claim on the preponderance of evidence as required by law. And I so hold.

“In the premises, it is hereby declared that the plaintiffs are the persons entitled to the grant of a Certificate of Occupancy over the said piece or parcel of land in dispute, delineated and verged red in plaintiffs’ survey plan No. VPS/BD89/003A filed by the plaintiffs in this suit.”