Edo govt shuts down hotel owned by Ighodalo campaign DG

The Edo State Government has sealed Eterno Hotel, a property reportedly linked to Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Committee.

Located on Aiguobasimwin Crescent off Ikpokpan Road in the GRA area of Benin City, the hotel was shut down on Tuesday by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA).

An official notice with the code 29.425 ESDBCA was visibly posted at the premises, signaling the government’s enforcement action.

The ESDBCA is responsible for overseeing compliance with urban planning, development, and construction regulations in the state.

Following the closure, guests were seen vacating the premises, while new arrivals were forced to seek alternative lodging options.

Iduoriyekemwen, a former governorship aspirant, ran for the 2023 Edo South Senatorial seat but lost to the Labour Party candidate, Senator Neda Imasuen.

Speaking on the issue, Iduoriyekemwen expressed dismay and said the government’s action was purely political, as he had not violated any law that would warrant sealing up his hotel.

He said, “I was at home when my manager called that they were sealing up my hotel. I asked to speak to the government agents, but they refused to take my calls, so I had to dash down to the hotel. “When I asked them what law I had infringed upon, they said that they were carrying out instructions from the government. You can see some of the guests are leaving.

“I don’t know why a state would want to destroy an indigene’s investment. Last time, they revoked the Certificate of Occupancy of the land. I saw it in the papers. This one they are doing now, I don’t know.”

When asked what would be his next line of action, the Peoples Democratic Party stalwart said he would seek legal redress to challenge the action of the government.