Tensions flared in Benin City on Tuesday as officials from the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA) sealed off Eterno Hotel, a property owned by Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council. The closure affected guests, some of whom were seen checking out or turned away.
The hotel, located in the Government Reservation Area, was shut down under official order “29.425 ESDBCA,” prompting claims of political persecution. Iduoriyekemwen, a former PDP governorship aspirant and senatorial candidate, condemned the move as unjustified and politically motivated, noting that the government had earlier revoked the hotel’s Certificate of Occupancy.
“I asked what law I had violated, but they simply said they were acting on orders,” he said. He vowed to take legal action against the government’s decision, describing it as an attack on private investment and political opposition.
State officials have not publicly commented on the motive behind the enforcement action.
