by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Comrade Tony Kabaka Adun, the youth leader of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has disclosed that Governor Monday Okpebholo promised to rebuild his hotel, which was demolished under the previous administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The multi-million naira T. Latifah Hotel and Suites, located in the Ugbor area of GRA, Benin City, was demolished on February 5, 2020. The demolition followed a seven-day notice issued in October 2019 by the Edo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, citing that the hotel was built on land belonging to a public primary school.
Despite a court injunction granted in October 2019 by then-Benin High Court Judge Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa (now Chief Judge of Edo State) restraining the Obaseki administration from demolishing the property, the hotel was ultimately torn down.
Speaking during the Democracy Day celebration at the State Government House on June 12, Kabaka publicly revealed the governor’s promise to rebuild the hotel, describing it as a special Democracy Day gift.
“Your Excellency, I want to thank you for your promise. What makes my Democracy Day today is that Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa have pledged to rebuild my hotel,” Kabaka said, according to a viral video shared widely on social media.
He praised Governor Okpebholo’s approach to governance, noting that since assuming office, the governor has refrained from unjustly demolishing properties without criminal violations, unlike the previous administration.
“He has not used his power to victimize anyone. He respects the law,” Kabaka added.
In the video, Governor Okpebholo, seated on the high table, was seen nodding and bowing his head in acknowledgement of the public revelation.
However, Albert Osazee, a social media influencer, criticized the promise, reminding the governor that Kabaka’s hotel was built on government land during the Adams Oshiomhole administration. Osazee alleged that Kabaka even blocked a public road to construct a swimming pool for the hotel.
“Let’s see how Governor Okpebholo will rebuild a hotel on government property and a public road using taxpayers’ money,” Osazee wrote, urging vigilance among Edo residents.
At the same Democracy Day event, Kabaka also expressed concerns about youth engagement in the state, stating that since Governor Okpebholo took office in September 2024, the youths have not been adequately empowered.
“I want to plead with Governor Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, to listen to the youths. It’s been seven months, and we have not been properly engaged,” he said.
Kabaka urged the government to create opportunities and platforms for youth empowerment, emphasizing that meaningful youth involvement is essential for effective governance.