Okpebholo Approves ₦914m Compensation for Tony Kabaka

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the payment of ₦914 million compensation to Mr. Tony Adun, popularly known as Tony Kabaka, youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The approval follows a court judgment ordering the state government to compensate Kabaka after his hotel was demolished under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration. The building had been brought down for allegedly obstructing a public right of way, a decision Kabaka challenged in court and won.

The compensation was among several approvals reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Friday, presided over by Governor Okpebholo.

Transport and Security Investments

Speaking after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Paul Ohonbamu, said the council gave the green light to wide-ranging projects across education, transportation, security, and agriculture.

Among the key decisions were the purchase of 50 Toyota Hiace buses (2024 model) to expand the fleet of Edo Line Transport Company, in addition to 100 buses already procured. Another 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses (2025 model) were approved for the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS).

To boost security, the council approved the procurement of 111 motorcycles for local operations. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will receive five bulldozers and one low-bed truck to strengthen mechanized farming and rural projects.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow Edotoday Channel on WhatsApp to never miss any Update. Click Here to  JOIN US NOW to get news that matters at your convenience!!

Road and Infrastructure Works

The council also ratified the construction and rehabilitation of several roads in oil- and gas-producing areas under the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC). Projects include:

• Eromo Road, Ikpoba-Okha LGA

• Presidential Road, Ikpoba-Okha LGA

• Ugo Market Road rehabilitation, Orhionmwon LGA

• Odion Umoru Road, Ikpoba-Okha LGA

According to Ohonbamu, all projects passed through the Edo State Public Procurement Law of 2020 and were cleared by the State Tenders Board before final approval.

Focus on Diaspora Investment

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilo, revealed that the governor’s recent investment drive in Scotland yielded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The agreement commits $250 million in investments to Edo State over the next three to five years.

Ikhilo said the summit attracted global investors and Edo indigenes in the diaspora eager to key into the administration’s SHINE development agenda.

Context

The ₦914 million payout to Kabaka resolves a long-running dispute between the APC youth leader and the state government while reflecting the administration’s effort to align justice delivery with wider development goals. At the same time, the new round of infrastructure and investment approvals signals Governor Okpebholo’s intention to strengthen Edo’s economy and expand opportunities across key sectors.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow Edotoday Channel on WhatsApp to never miss any updates. Click Here to  JOIN US NOW to get news that matters at your convenience!!