Elders of Iyowa Village in Ovia South-West Local Government Area have dismissed rumours of land grabbing, extortion, and illegal relocation of property, insisting the community remains one of the most organised and peaceful in Benin Kingdom.

“Though we may have our own peculiar challenges, those negative stories like land grabbing, extortion of money from developers, undue relocation and others do not happen here,” said Pa. Sunday Igbinowanhia, speaking for the elders.

Elder Festus Osarugue Nosakhare Igbinowanhia, secretary to the community, added: “Since all the years I have been in the saddle, there has never been an incident of extortion of developers or land grabbing. We are law-abiding and peaceful people.”

Former Okaighele (Youths Head), Ambassador Etionsa Ighodaro, said that during his tenure there were no such incidents, and challenged anyone with contrary claims to present their documents for verification.

Elders Roland Ugiagbe and James Aigbuza also reaffirmed the community’s position, urging developers to visit and see the situation for themselves, stressing that abundant land is available for genuine investors.