₦914m Settlement Rocks Edo—Okpebholo Compensates APC Youth Leader For Hotel Demolition

According to Ireporter Online, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the payment of ₦914 million to the state Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Kabaka Adun, as compensation for his demolished hotel. The hotel was pulled down during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki for obstructing the right of way, but a court later ordered the state government to pay compensation of ₦914 million.

The approval was among several major decisions taken at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Friday, presided over by Governor Okpebholo. Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Paul Ohonbamu, said the council granted approvals across key sectors, including education, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, and security.

As part of the resolutions, the council approved the purchase of 50 brand-new Toyota Hiace buses (2024 model) to complement the 100 units earlier procured for the New Edo Line transport company. In addition, approval was given for the purchase of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses (2025 model) for the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS).

Other approvals included the procurement of 111 motorbikes for security agencies, five bulldozers, and a low-bed truck for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The council also gave the green light for the construction and rehabilitation of roads in oil- and gas-producing areas under the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC). The road projects cover Eromo Road and Presidential Road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Ugo Market Road in Orhionmwon LGA, and Odion Umoru Road in Ikpoba-Okha LGA.

Ohonbamu stressed that all approvals were in strict compliance with the Edo State Public Procurement Law of 2020, with the State Tender Board also completing its review.

Speaking further, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilo, said the Governor’s recent trip to Scotland was aimed at attracting diaspora investment into Edo’s economy. He disclosed that the European African Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government to inject $250 million over the next three to five years, aligning with Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE agenda.