Yes, It’s a Threat: Esan West LG Chairman Allegedly Threatens to Seal Hotel, Take Over Property Over NDC Meeting

The Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area  Hon. Blessing Albert Ebhodaghe has allegedly threatened to seal a hotel and take over the property after the owner reportedly allowed members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to hold a meeting on the premises.

The allegation is contained in a voice call recording currently circulating online, purportedly involving the local government chairman and the hotel owner.

In the recording, the chairman allegedly told the hotel owner that the land on which the hotel is situated belongs to the government.

He reportedly warned the hotel owner that, from that point onward, allowing the NDC or any other political party to hold meetings on the premises would attract government action.

According to the recording, the chairman allegedly told the hotel owner that if he continued to allow such meetings, the government would come and seal up the hotel.

The alleged warning comes against the backdrop of the Edo State Government’s push to mobilize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Governor Monday Okpebholo, while inaugurating the state’s 18 newly elected local government chairmen on September 4, 2026, charged them to work towards delivering 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in Edo State and to strengthen political structures at the grassroots.

The governor had also previously spoken publicly about the 2.5 million-vote target, saying in June that the votes would come from the projects being carried out by his administration across the state.

The hotel owner then reportedly asked whether the statement amounted to a threat from the government.

The chairman allegedly responded, “Yes,” and went further to state that it was a threat from both the government and himself.

The alleged exchange has generated reactions online, particularly over the reported warning to prevent a private hotel from hosting political meetings.

The recording also raises questions about the government’s alleged claim over the land on which the hotel is located and the basis for the reported threat to seal the premises or take further action against the property.

The local government chairman has also not publicly responded to the allegations or provided clarification on the reported conversation.

The development comes amid political activities involving various parties, with the alleged incident drawing attention to the circumstances under which government authorities can restrict political meetings on privately operated premises.

Edotoday will update this report if the Esan west Local Government Council, the hotel owner or any other party involved provides further clarification.