Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the payment of N914 million as court ordered compensation to APC Youth Leader Tony Kabaka over the demolition of his hotel This report details the background decisions from the executive council meeting and the wider implications .
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has officially approved the payment of N914 million to Mr Tony Kabaka the Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State as compensation for the demolition of his hotel This approval came as part of a series of decisions taken at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor .
Background Demolition Court Order and Political Context
Demolition under Previous Administration
The hotel belonging to Mr Kabaka was demolished during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki The justification given at the time was that the structure obstructed a designated right of way Kabaka however maintained that the demolition was unlawful and a violation of his rights .
Court Verdict and Judgment
Kabaka challenged the action in court insisting he was entitled to compensation for the loss of his property After lengthy proceedings the court ruled in his favor and ordered the Edo State Government to pay him N914 million Governor Okpebholo approval of this payment marks the government compliance with the judgment and a significant resolution of the long standing dispute .
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Political Overtones
The fact that the compensation is being paid to a prominent APC Youth Leader adds a political layer to the development Kabaka is an influential figure in the party and his alignment with the ruling APC at the federal level has drawn attention to the governor decision While some view it purely as respect for the rule of law others speculate on the political undertones So far there has been no official opposition or controversy raised publicly against the governor over the payment .
Executive Council Meeting and Other Approvals
The State Executive Council meeting where the compensation was approved also saw a wide range of decisions cutting across infrastructure transportation agriculture and public services Among the notable approvals were the procurement of 50 brand new Toyota Hiace buses to expand the Edo Line transport service and the purchase of 50 Compressed Natural Gas buses for the Edo City Transport Service .
The council also authorized the acquisition of 111 motorbikes to boost the capacity of security agencies across the state In the area of agriculture the government approved the purchase of five bulldozers and a low bed truck for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security .
Road development and rehabilitation projects also featured prominently Priority was given to the construction and repair of key roads including Eromo Road and Presidential Road in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area Ugo Market Road in Orhionmwon Local Government Area and Odion Umoru Road in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area .
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation Paul Ohonbamu explained that these approvals were designed to impact critical sectors such as education infrastructure transportation and justice delivery He emphasized that all procurement processes had been reviewed in line with the Edo State Public Procurement Law of 2020 and had passed scrutiny by the State Tender Board .
The Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilo also provided updates on the governor recent trip to Scotland He revealed that the visit was aimed at attracting investment and resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the European African Chamber of Commerce The agreement is expected to bring about 250 million dollars in investments into Edo State over the next three to five years .
Kabaka Statement and Promise from Okpebholo
In earlier comments Tony Kabaka had revealed that Governor Okpebholo promised not only compensation but also the rebuilding of his demolished hotel While the payment has now been approved in line with the court order there has been no official confirmation yet on when or whether the reconstruction will take place For Kabaka the approval of compensation is a vindication of his long legal battle but the rebuilding promise remains to be seen .
Reactions Implications and Critiques
The approval has raised questions and discussions in different circles From one perspective it demonstrates respect for the rule of law showing that government is willing to comply with judicial rulings regardless of the political identity of the claimant .
On the other hand critics may perceive the decision as political favoritism since the beneficiary is a high profile APC Youth Leader Such perceptions could spark debates about whether ordinary citizens would have enjoyed the same level of attention or compensation .
There is also the question of precedent Other individuals whose properties were demolished by previous administrations may now be encouraged to seek compensation through the courts potentially leading to new financial obligations for the state .
Fiscal accountability is another area of concern A payout of N914 million is significant and observers are likely to demand clarity on how it will be funded and managed within the state budget Transparency in the disbursement process will be important to maintain public trust .
Finally if the governor goes ahead to rebuild the hotel as promised the narrative will shift from compensation alone to redevelopment and restoration Such a move would carry both economic and political weight in Edo State .
Conclusion
Governor Monday Okpebholo decision to approve N914 million as compensation to APC Youth Leader Tony Kabaka represents an important step in resolving a contentious demolition case from the past administration It highlights the role of the judiciary in holding government accountable while also raising debates on political influence fiscal responsibility and future precedents .
At the same time the decision was part of a wider series of approvals aimed at boosting infrastructure transportation and investment in the state Whether Kabaka hotel will also be rebuilt as earlier promised remains uncertain but the payment itself is a landmark decision that will likely shape future expectations in similar disputes .