Edo State Government begins demolition of APC chieftain Tony Kabaka’s Hotel [photos]

The Edo State Government has on Wednesday commenced the demolition of the hotel of APC chieftain Tony ‘Kabaka’ Adun.

The demolition of the hotel, located around Ugbor-Amagba axis was ordered by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The site was swarmed by bulldozers and security personnel who kicked off the demolition process at about 12 noon. 

The demolition is as explained by the Governor is a part of the state government’s commitment to removal of illegal structures erected on government property, including public schools and waterways as well as roof eave-extensions and structures erected on the right of way of roads/streets, moats, river banks, TCN high tension lines, among others in Benin City and other major settlements in the state.

The Edo State Government had in October last year, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, issued a seven-day notice to Tony Adun to remove his T. Latifah Hotel and Suites, located at the Ugbor axis of the State capital.

The hotel reportedly infringes on the property of the Ugbor primary school hence it was deemed illegal.  

Kabaka had said he would die if the Government had gone along with their plans but had later apologized for his outburst, asking for leniency from the Governor. 

Kabaka had been employed by the administration of Governor Oshiomhole to collect taxes from commercial drivers but was let go when Obaseki took over. 

Governor Obaseki told reporters last year that there was no political undertone in the decision since he had warned in the past that his administration would not tolerate lawlessness.

According to him: 

“Businesses cannot thrive when there is anarchy and complete disrespect for the law. For us as a government whatever we need to do to ensure that there is law and order will be done.

“If you have done the wrong thing and taken over properties that is not yours, to build on government property is the wrong thing to do. If you go and build on road, that is not the right thing to do. If government tolerates that then more people will become lawless.

“If any law has been breached in Edo State, I have sworn to the constitution to preserve order. This is a government that is not afraid of anybody and will not be subject to blackmail. Anybody who contravenes the law no matter how highly placed you are in Edo State, you will be dealt with.

“It has no political undertone. If you go to Etete now. I am doing the same thing. I am fencing the sports centre.

“I have warned in the past that anybody who encroached on government land or school properties will be dealt with. Go to Bénin Technical College, that is evidence. As long as they continue to behave lawlessly, we will enforce the law.”

Kabaka has since reacted to the demolition. He said:

 “We are still in court. I have injunctions against the government. Judgment is on Friday. I have Certificate of Occupancy in my house but I don’t have C of O in the hotel.

“Let him go ahead and demolish it. 100 years is not forever.”

See photos below 

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