A Benin-based lawyer and contractor, Barrister Benedicta Mosco Francis, has appealed to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to intervene in her prolonged dispute with the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, EDSOGPADEC, describing her ordeal as one marked by violence, broken promises, and financial ruin.
Speaking in Benin City, the Edo State capital, Barrister Francis said her troubles began after EDSOGPADEC awarded her a contract to construct a 10-unit staff quarters in Ughoton Community. She alleged that during the execution of the project, she was violently attacked by a community leader, an incident she claimed left her blind and shattered her livelihood.
According to her, the commission initially acknowledged the gravity of her condition and assured her of full compensation, including the settlement of her medical bills and financial losses. She said those assurances were never honoured, leaving her stranded and struggling to cope with the aftermath of the attack.
Barrister Francis further alleged that a former Secretary to the State Government directed EDSOGPADEC to provide her with a Prado Jeep and a Hilux vehicle to assist her mobility. She claimed that although one of the vehicles was briefly delivered, the former chairman of the commission, Pastor Kennedy Osifo, ordered its retrieval within 24 hours under the guise of repairs. She said the vehicle has not been returned to date.
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She disclosed that she approached the court, demanding ₦1 billion in damages, but after legal deliberations, parties reportedly agreed on ₦500 million as compensation. However, she alleged that only ₦50 million was later offered, a sum she said she was advised to reject because there was no binding or conclusive agreement to that effect.
The distressed lawyer said since then, all further promises, including assurances of fresh contracts to cushion her losses, have failed to materialise. She added that she had taken bank loans to finance the EDSOGPADEC project and, as a result of the unresolved dispute, lost several properties and valuables to the banks.
In a further twist, Barrister Francis alleged that her husband died in a tragic accident involving the Edo State Task Force, which she said was led by Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone. She described the loss as another devastating blow that deepened her personal and financial crisis.
Responding to the allegations, Okungbowa denied any wrongdoing, insisting that his encounter with Barrister Francis was limited to an attempt to assist her when they met at a commissioner’s office. He claimed that his offer of help was rejected and dismissed claims linking him or the task force to the tragic incident.
As the controversy continues to draw public attention, Barrister Francis has renewed her call on Governor Okpebholo to wade into the matter, saying she is seeking justice, closure, and relief after years of what she described as neglect and unfulfilled commitments by the state agency.
