Okpebholo sacks EdoGis MD over unauthorised Presco land revocation

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has sacked Tony Ikpasaja, the Managing Director of the State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) over the purported revocation of Certificate of Occapancy of 13,545 hectares of land belonging to Presco Plc.

Rcalls that in a viral notice in several social media platforms, dated November 21, 2025, the Governor noted that the revocation was in accordance with Sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 (Now an Act).

The notice, allegedly signed by the governor, also added that the action was taken for overriding public interest and also noted that there are two oil wells on the land.

Following the viral statement, the governor in a statement by Umar Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government announced the sacking of the EdoGis boss.

Okpebholo said the action of the immediate past Managing Director of Edogis was acted without authorisation.

According to him, this is to announce for the information of the General Public that the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate removal of Mr. Tony Ikpasaja, Managing Director of the Edo Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), from office.

He directed the most senior officer in the agency to assume office in an acting capacity, pending the appointment of a substantive Managing Director.

“This action is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to restructure and reposition EDOGIS for optimal efficiency, improved service delivery and enhanced institutional performance”, he said.

Meanwhile, the State Government has disclaimed the public notice purportedly revoking statutory rights of the foremost palm oil company in the country.

The statement also signed by the Secretary to the State Government said the sacked Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service, EDOGIS) acted unilaterally, without authorisation, and in complete disregard for established procedures.

“For clarity, the Edo State Government has not revoked Presco Plc’s Statutory Right of Occupancy. What was under technical consideration was the excision of approximately 20 hectares—a clearly defined area—strictly limited to the portions of land containing strategic crude oil wells.

“This excision became necessary because no individual or company can lawfully exercise proprietary rights over land where mineral resources are located, as such resources are vested exclusively in the Federal Government.

“The Edo State Government therefore disassociates itself completely from the said publication and advises the general public, stakeholders, and Presco Plc to disregard the notice in its entirety.

“A formal administrative review has been initiated to address the unauthorised actions of the former EDOGIS Managing Director and to strengthen internal controls to prevent future breaches”, added.

He, however, reiterated the commitment of his administration to transparent land administration, orderly engagement with investors, and the protection of public interest, particularly in matters involving national strategic assets such as oil and gas.

However, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, announced the sacking of the EdoGis boss.

Ikhilor said the sack was approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo.