Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the payment of ₦914 million as compensation to Mr. Tony Adun, popularly known as Kabaka, the State Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the demolition of his hotel during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Why Kabaka Was Compensated
The Edo Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, disclosed the approval on Friday after the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting.
He explained that the move was in line with a court judgment delivered in Kabaka’s favour, which the current government inherited.
“As a governor who believes that court decisions must be obeyed, EXCO has approved the amount as ruled. This shows we have a leader who is thoughtful, law-abiding, and believes justice must inspire confidence,” Ohonbamu said.
Background: The Demolition Saga
Kabaka’s hotel, T. Latifah Hotel and Suites, located in the Ugbor axis of Benin City’s GRA, was demolished on February 5, 2020, by the Obaseki administration.
The government argued that the hotel was illegally built on land belonging to a public primary school, despite a court order in October 2019 by Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa restraining the state from carrying out the demolition.
Kabaka eventually sued the government and won the case, securing the compensation.
Governor’s Promise to Rebuild
In a viral video released on June 13, 2025, Kabaka revealed that Governor Okpebholo and his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, had promised to rebuild the hotel for him.
Speaking at a Democracy Day celebration on June 12, he described the governor’s promise as a “Democracy Day gift.”
“What makes my Democracy Day today is His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who promised to rebuild my hotel this morning,” Kabaka told the gathering.
What Next?
With the court-ordered compensation now approved, attention shifts to whether the state government will follow through on its promise to rebuild the multi-million naira hotel in addition to paying the ₦914 million.
This development underscores the principle of continuity in governance and the importance of upholding judicial rulings.
