The Abomey-Calavi Town Hall has taken a decisive step to resolve long-standing disputes over the Womey site, initiating a comprehensive land regularization process this Monday, October 6, 2025.
The initiative follows years of litigation and aims to clarify property rights while halting irregular transactions.
In a press release, the mayor outlined that the operation aligns with a government decision made on January 16, 2019, which imposed precautionary measures freezing all transactions on land claimed by the heirs of Marcos Gbetie.
These measures were designed to safeguard the area until ownership could be definitively established.
Two expert firms have been commissioned to lead the technical phase of the project.
BETAFE-ALLOSSOGBE, a topographical consultancy, and PLANUBA, an urban planning firm, have been tasked with creating a detailed occupation plan and proposing a global restructuring framework for Womey.
According to the town hall, this work is intended to provide a sustainable, legally compliant solution to the decades-long land dispute.
The authorities have called on residents, property owners, and presumed claimants to actively cooperate with the technical teams.
Those with claims to plots in the area are urged to provide essential documentation, including copies of deeds or presumptive titles, identification documents, topographic surveys of their land, and any other relevant property papers.
Field operations are scheduled to run from October 6 to November 5, covering the entire disputed perimeter. The mayor stressed that the success of the initiative relies on the collaboration and good faith of the local population, encouraging transparency and engagement throughout the process.
This move is expected to bring clarity and legal certainty to a situation that has long hindered development and created tensions among landholders in Abomey-Calavi.
By combining technical expertise with active community participation, the authorities hope to restore order and facilitate sustainable urban planning in Womey, signaling a major milestone in Benin’s ongoing efforts to modernize land management practices.
The operation marks a turning point for local residents, who have awaited years for a definitive resolution to the contested site, highlighting the government’s commitment to enforcing property rights and promoting social cohesion.
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