The Edo State Government on Tuesday closed down the Eterno Hotel in Benin City, a property owned by Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the Director General of the Asue Ighodalo Campaign Organisation.
The hotel, located on Aiguobasimwin Crescent, Off Ikpokpan Road in the Government Reservation Area of Benin, was sealed by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA). A sign with the agency’s official code “29.425 ESDBCA” was placed on the hotel’s entrance, confirming the enforcement action.
ESDBCA is responsible for monitoring and enforcing building and development rules across the state. While the agency has yet to issue a formal statement on the reason behind the sealing, the incident has stirred reactions, especially from political observers and stakeholders in the state.
As the sealing took place, guests inside the hotel were seen hastily checking out. Others, who had planned to stay at the facility, were turned away and forced to find lodging elsewhere. The scene left many surprised, especially given the hotel’s strategic location and ownership.
Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, a former governorship aspirant and 2023 Edo South senatorial candidate, expressed frustration over the move. He said the action taken against his hotel was politically motivated and not based on any legal breach.
“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.”
Iduoriyekemwen further noted that this is not the first time the state government has taken steps against him. According to him, a similar issue occurred when his Certificate of Occupancy was revoked without clear justification.
When asked how he plans to respond, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said he would go to court to challenge the government’s decision. He believes legal action is the best route to seek justice and protect his business.
