Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved a massive payment of ?914 million as compensation to the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Youth Leader, Mr. Tony Adun, popularly known as “Kabaka.” The decision settles a long-running, politically charged legal battle stemming from the demolition of Adun’s property under the previous administration.
The multi-million-naira T. Latifah Hotel and Suites, located in the high-brow Ugbor axis of GRA, Benin, was demolished on February 5, 2020, during the tenure of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, who claimed the structure was illegally built on government land.
Upholding the Rule of Law
The Edo State Executive Council (EXCO) resolved to approve the payment, a move confirmed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu.
Ohonbamu explained that the compensation was necessary because Adun had successfully challenged the demolition in court and won the case. Although the ruling was against the previous administration, Governor Okpebholo chose to implement the court’s decision, positioning his government as one that respects the rule of law.
“As a governor who believes that decisions of the court are to be obeyed, today (Friday), EXCO has approved the sum the court asked to be paid. The beneficiary will know that we have a governor who is thoughtful, law-abiding, and believes that justice must be rooted in confidence,” Ohonbamu stated.
Political Fulfillment and Public Promise
The compensation payment fulfills a promise made by Governor Okpebholo to Kabaka. Just a day before the official approval, during the Democracy Day celebration on June 13, 2025, Adun shared the Governor’s pledge in a viral video.
Adun expressed his profound gratitude for the commitment:
“What makes my Democracy Day today is His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who have promised Kabaka that they will rebuild my hotel this morning. May God bless you all as you join me to celebrate my lost hotel,” he said.
The approval of the court-mandated compensation, totaling nearly one billion Naira, is viewed as a significant move by the Okpebholo administration to heal political rifts and demonstrate respect for judicial authority, particularly by making amends with a prominent leader from the ruling party.
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