The youth leader of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Tony Kabaka Adun, has publicly disclosed that Governor Monday Okpebholo promised to rebuild his hotel that was demolished during former Governor Godwin Obaseki's administration.
The multi-million naira hospitality facility, T. Latifah Hotel and Suites, located in the Ugbor axis of GRA, Benin City, was demolished on February 5, 2020, despite a court order restraining the government from carrying out the action.
Background of the Demolition
According to BenriNews reports, the Edo State Government had issued a seven-day notice to Kabaka in October 2019 through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, ordering him to remove the hotel. The government claimed the structure was built on land belonging to a public primary school.
Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa of the Benin High Court, who is now the Chief Judge of the State, had restrained the Obaseki-led government and its agents from demolishing the hotel in a suit marked B/151/05/2019. Despite this court order, the demolition was carried out.
Public Revelation During Democracy Day
Five years after the demolition, Kabaka made the surprising announcement during the Democracy Day celebration at the State Government House on June 12. In a video that has gone viral on social media platforms, Kabaka described the promise as a Democracy Day gift from the governor.
"Your Excellency I want to thank you for your promise. I want to tell you all what makes my Democracy Day today," Kabaka said in the video. "What makes my Democracy Day today is that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Hon. Dennis Idahosa have promised Kabaka that they will rebuild my hotel this morning."
The APC youth leader also praised Governor Okpebholo for not demolishing any houses or properties since taking office, contrasting this with the previous administration's approach. "He has not shown us he has power. He has not shown us that he is against the law," Kabaka added.
Governor's Reaction and Public Concerns
Governor Okpebholo, who was present at the high table during Kabaka's speech, was seen shaking and bowing his head, apparently uncomfortable with the public disclosure of what may have been intended as a private promise.
The announcement has sparked concerns among some citizens. Social media influencer Albert Osazee reminded the public that the hotel was allegedly built on government property and had blocked an existing road. Osazee questioned how the governor would rebuild the hotel on government land and a public road that had since been reopened by the former administration.
"I really pity Governor Okpebholo because what was supposed to be private and secret discussions and promises, the APC youth leader has publicly exposed them," Osazee stated. "Edo people, let us be vigilant and see how the governor will use the taxpayers' money to rebuild a hotel for the APC youth leader on government land and a public road."
Call for Youth Engagement
During the same event, Kabaka also appealed to the governor to engage and empower the youth of Edo State. "Since September 21, 2024, we, the youths, have not been properly engaged," he said. "But I know that this government just started. We will give you time. My Excellency, I want to beg you, sir, that if there is a way you can carve out something and say this is for the youths, I will be very happy and our youths will pilot it without fear or favour."
The governor has yet to make an official statement regarding the promise to rebuild Kabaka's hotel or address the concerns raised by citizens about the implications of such a decision.
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