Edo GIS debunks viral rumour of a 17-year-old purchasing 14,000 hectares, calling the claim false and legally impossible under state law

Edo GIS land purchase rumour has been firmly debunked by the Edo Geographic Information Service, following viral reports that a 17-year-old boy allegedly acquired 14,000 hectares of land in the state.

Also read: Olu of Ifoland Oba Samuel Atanda Oladipupo passes away

The agency issued a statement on Monday, signed by its Director of Press, Tunde Egbiremonlen, dismissing the claim as false, mischievous and legally impossible under Edo law.

According to the agency, no such transaction exists in its records.

“The Edo GIS system will automatically reject such applications due to age restrictions,” Egbiremonlen stated, explaining that a 17-year-old is classified as a minor and therefore cannot legally register land ownership in Edo State.

The rumour had gained traction on social media, with posts alleging that Governor Monday Okpebholo had suspended the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy in response.

However, the agency confirmed this narrative was entirely fabricated.

“To compound the objective of the rumour-mongers, the peddlers of the story did not explain where in Edo State such 14,000 hectares were purchased by the minor,” the statement added.

Edo GIS land purchase rumour has sparked a wider conversation about misinformation in the digital age.

The agency noted that certain individuals were allegedly funding the spread of the story for ulterior motives.

Governor Okpebholo, meanwhile, continues to push for reform in land administration, including the recent termination of a contract with a private firm managing C-of-O software.