Edo GIS debunks 17-year-old land ownership rumour in Edo, clarifying no minor can register land and dismissing viral claims as false and misleading.
The Edo State Geographic Information Systems (Edo GIS) has publicly refuted the widespread social media reports claiming that a 17-year-old boy acquired 14,000 hectares of land in Edo State and was subsequently denied a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In a strongly worded statement, Edo GIS debunks 17-year-old land ownership rumour, describing the story as a calculated falsehood designed to mislead the public and discredit the government’s transparent land administration process.
According to the official statement signed by the Director of Press, Mr. Tunde Egbiremonlen, the agency stressed that there is no record of such a transaction in its system.
The report, it said, was entirely fabricated by individuals who sought to tarnish the reputation of the Edo State Government and sow unnecessary controversy.
The agency reaffirmed that no minor has ever been granted or processed for land ownership within the state’s legal and administrative framework.
Egbiremonlen explained that, under Edo State laws, a person under the age of 18 is considered a minor and is legally ineligible to own or register land.
Therefore, the claim that a 17-year-old successfully purchased or attempted to register 14,000 hectares of land is not only false but legally impossible.
The agency’s automated system would immediately reject such an application once the applicant’s age is detected to be below the statutory threshold.
“In the first place, a 17-year-old cannot apply for land registration in Edo State because that age category is recognized as a minor under the law.
“The Edo GIS system will automatically reject such an application due to age restrictions,” the statement read.
The agency also pointed out that the viral report failed to provide key details such as the specific location of the alleged 14,000 hectares.
According to Egbiremonlen, this omission further exposes the story as a deliberate fabrication.
He stressed that Edo State’s land allocation and registration processes are fully digital, traceable, and transparent — making it impossible for any fictitious or illegal transaction to occur without detection.
In debunking the misleading report, Edo GIS debunks 17-year-old land ownership rumour and noted that the intention behind the misinformation was to create confusion and erode public confidence in the government’s digital land management system.
The statement described the report as “deliberately mischievous,” pointing out that it lacked evidence, legal foundation, and factual basis.
Mr. Egbiremonlen further alleged that the false narrative was part of a coordinated attempt by certain individuals to blackmail the government.
He claimed that substantial funds were likely spent to amplify the fake story on social media platforms to make it appear credible to unsuspecting readers.
He warned the public against accepting unverified information, especially on social media, where misinformation spreads rapidly and often without accountability.
The director emphasized that Edo State operates one of the most advanced land management systems in Nigeria, designed to prevent fraud, ensure accountability, and streamline land transactions.
Every legitimate land purchase, he said, must go through due process — from verification of ownership to approval and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
This process, he noted, cannot be bypassed or manipulated to favor any individual, regardless of age or status.
In reaffirming its stance, Edo GIS debunks 17-year-old land ownership rumour and called on citizens to rely only on verified information from official sources.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the state’s land registry and maintaining transparency in all land-related dealings.
“Our system is automated, and every record is digitalized,” the statement added.
“It is impossible for a non-existent transaction to be processed or stored within our database.”
Egbiremonlen also expressed concern about the growing trend of fake news targeting public institutions and government agencies.
He urged citizens, journalists, and social media users to verify the authenticity of claims before sharing them.
According to him, misinformation not only undermines public trust but also distracts government agencies from their developmental responsibilities.
He advised media practitioners to prioritize accuracy and objectivity when reporting on sensitive governance matters, especially those involving public resources and land ownership.
“Disinformation can cause unnecessary panic, erode confidence in institutions, and damage the image of hardworking public officers,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has also restated its commitment to maintaining law and order in all property transactions.
It assured the public that the digital reforms introduced through the Edo GIS system are meant to promote transparency, eliminate corruption, and simplify processes for legitimate landowners.
The agency concluded by urging residents to report any suspicious claims or unauthorized land dealings to the appropriate authorities.
It reaffirmed that the government’s digital platform remains secure and fully compliant with national land regulations and age-related ownership restrictions.
Edo GIS emphasized that the circulation of fake stories is an attempt to divert attention from the state’s ongoing infrastructural and administrative reforms.
The agency reassured the public that no amount of blackmail or falsehood will derail the government’s resolve to maintain transparency and integrity in its land management processes.
As the controversy fades, the Edo State Government has again proven that its commitment to truth, accountability, and digital innovation remains unwavering.
Through prompt clarification and accurate communication, the administration continues to strengthen public trust and dispel misinformation.
Ultimately, Edo GIS debunks 17-year-old land ownership rumour not only to protect its institutional integrity but also to remind the public of the dangers of unchecked disinformation.
The agency’s swift response demonstrates its proactive approach to governance — one grounded in openness, legal compliance, and technological efficiency.
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