Edo State Seals Hotel Owned by Asue/Ogie Campaign DG, Sparks Political Controversy

In a move that has stirred political tension and raised questions about potential government overreach, the Edo State Government on Tuesday sealed Eterno Hotel, a popular hospitality facility owned by Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Committee and a prominent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) figure.

The hotel, strategically located on Aiguobasimwin Crescent in the upscale Government Reservation Area (GRA) of Benin City, was shut down by officials from the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA), the state’s regulatory body responsible for enforcing building codes and development control. The closure was marked by the agency’s official code “29.425 ESDBCA” visibly plastered on the hotel premises.

According to eyewitnesses, the ESDBCA officers carried out the operation abruptly, without prior notice or formal communication to the hotel management. Guests at the hotel were caught by surprise, with some hurriedly checking out and others turned away at the entrance.

Ogah Accuses Minister Onyejeocha of Forgery in 2023 Election Tribunal Battle

Closure of Eterno Hotel Sparks Allegations of Political Targeting

The action has been widely criticized by political observers and stakeholders, with many interpreting it as a veiled political attack against Iduoriyekemwen, a vocal PDP stalwart and former Edo South Senatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections. Iduoriyekemwen, who lost to Labour Party’s Senator Neda Imasuen, has long been seen as an influential figure within the Edo PDP, especially with his leadership role in the Asue/Ogie campaign, supporting the PDP governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo.

In an emotionally charged response to the sealing, Iduoriyekemwen condemned the government’s actions, labeling them as “politically motivated.” He said the government had provided no official reason or documentation for the shutdown.

“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 rush down to the hotel,” he explained. “When I asked them what law I had infringed upon, they said they were acting on orders from above. That’s not how government should operate in a democracy.”

Iduoriyekemwen expressed frustration that an indigene’s investment could be so easily jeopardized without due process or legal clarity, especially in an already struggling economy. He emphasized that no notice of violation or opportunity for compliance was offered prior to the abrupt sealing of his hotel.

A Pattern of Targeted Interference?

This is not the first time the Edo State Government has taken steps that appear to directly affect Iduoriyekemwen’s business interests. The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the Eterno Hotel’s property was previously revoked in a move that was widely reported in the media and perceived by some as politically charged. That earlier decision already raised eyebrows and suggested an ongoing rift between the PDP administration and some of its own members.

The latest closure further reinforces those suspicions, especially considering the timing—barely months before the Edo 2024 governorship elections, where party unity and internal alignment are crucial. While Governor Godwin Obaseki has maintained a firm stance on development control and urban order, critics argue that enforcement has been selective, often disproportionately targeting political opponents or dissenters within the party.

Legal Showdown on the Horizon

Iduoriyekemwen confirmed that he intends to challenge the government’s actions through legal means. He insisted that the sealing of Eterno Hotel constitutes a violation of property rights and business freedom and vowed to seek redress in court.

“This cannot stand. I will pursue this matter legally, not just to reclaim my business but to defend the rights of other investors who could be victims of arbitrary government action,” he declared.

The legal route may provide a clearer picture of whether the government’s actions were rooted in legitimate regulatory enforcement or politically driven suppression. As of now, the ESDBCA has yet to issue a public statement clarifying the exact grounds for the closure.

Political Implications and Public Perception

The incident comes at a sensitive time for Edo State politics, as preparations for the next governorship election gather momentum. With intra-party divisions already evident in the PDP, the sealing of Eterno Hotel may deepen fractures within the party and alienate key supporters ahead of the campaign.

Political analysts say the government must tread carefully to avoid the perception of witch-hunting, especially when dealing with members of its own political family. “Even if there were infractions, due process must be followed transparently,” one analyst noted. “Otherwise, it weakens public trust and feeds narratives of abuse of power.”

Members of the public have also begun to voice concerns about the economic impact of such closures. Local residents and hospitality workers affected by the shutdown are worried about job security and the ripple effect on local tourism.

As pressure mounts on the government to clarify its position, all eyes are now on the ESDBCA and the courts to determine the legality—and morality—of the state’s actions.

For Iduoriyekemwen, the battle may have just begun, not only to restore his hotel’s operations but to clear his name and reclaim his footing in the high-stakes world of Edo politics.