The Edo State Government has announced plans to rebuild the demolished T. Latifa Hotel, owned by All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Leader Tony Adun, in compliance with a Court of Appeal judgment that upheld earlier rulings ordering the restoration of the facility.
The hotel was demolished in February 2020 under the administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki, despite a subsisting court order restraining the action. The courts later directed that the structure be restored to its original state.
A senior government source, however, told Vanguard that the option of compensation in place of physical reconstruction is also being considered.
Wider Approvals at EXCO Meeting
The decision was part of several approvals made during an Executive Council (EXCO) meeting chaired by Governor Monday Okpebholo, covering transportation, security, agriculture, infrastructure, and justice delivery.
Speaking after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communication Paul Ohombamu said the state was expanding its public transport system.
Transportation: The council approved the purchase of 50 new Toyota Hiace buses (2024 model) for the New Edo Line and 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses (2025 model) for the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), aligning with the government’s push for cleaner energy and sustainable urban mobility.
Security: Approval was given for 111 motorbikes to strengthen security operations across the state, adding to over 300 already procured.
Agriculture: The council approved five bulldozers and one lowbed truck for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to reduce reliance on rented machinery.
Infrastructure: Strategic road projects under the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC) were also cleared. They include the construction of Eromo Road and Presidential Road in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, rehabilitation of Ugo Market Road in Orhionmwon LGA, and construction of Odion Umoru Road in Ikpoba-Okha LGA.
Ohombamu said the approvals reflect Governor Okpebholo’s resolve to strengthen service delivery, enhance mobility, and stimulate socio-economic growth across the state.
