The Edo State Government has sealed off Eterno Hotel, a prominent hospitality business located in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) of Benin City and owned by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Mathew Iduoriyekemwen.
The enforcement was carried out on Tuesday by officials of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA), who marked the premises with an official seal identified by the code 29.425 ESDBCA. The agency is responsible for enforcing compliance with building and development regulations across the state.
As of the time of reporting, the ESDBCA had not disclosed the specific reason for sealing the property.
Reacting to the development, Iduoriyekemwen — who also served as the Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council in the last Edo governorship election — expressed concern and frustration, questioning the government’s motives.
“I don’t know why a state would want to destroy an indigene’s investment. I don’t know whether it is politics they are playing. Last time, they revoked the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the land,” he stated. “This one they are doing now, I don’t know…”
The incident has sparked speculation over a possible political undercurrent, particularly given Iduoriyekemwen’s active role in the state’s political landscape. However, no official clarification has been issued by the state authorities as at press time.
