Proposed sale of Edo House in Lagos stirs controversy

The Edo State Government’s plan to sell Edo House, the state’s liaison office in Victoria Island, Lagos, has sparked opposition from political leaders, professionals and civil society groups, who warn that the move could deprive future generations of a historic public asset.

Findings indicate that the property, located at 1225 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, is being considered for sale by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, with proceeds expected to fund the construction of a new International Conference Centre at the Garrick Memorial School grounds in Benin City.

The proposal has revived a long-standing debate, as previous attempts by past administrations to dispose of the property were abandoned following public opposition.

Confirming the government’s position, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, described Edo House as a financial burden, saying it no longer generates revenue for the state.

According to him, the government continues to spend significant resources maintaining the ageing building, while rental income is unavailable because previous administrations collected rents in advance for several years.

“We will sell it and use the proceeds to build an international conference centre at the Garrick Memorial School grounds in Benin City. The conference centre will create employment opportunities and generate revenue for the government. It will serve Edo people better,” Afegbua said.

The proposal has, however, drawn criticism from stakeholders who argue that the property is one of Edo State’s most valuable assets outside the state.

Former Managing Director of the Edo Development and Property Agency, Pedro Obaseki, urged the government to abandon the plan, describing Edo House as a historic inheritance that should be preserved.

“Edo House is not an ordinary property. It is one of Edo’s most valuable assets outside the state. Once sold, it can never be recovered. Government should explore ways of redeveloping and commercialising the property instead of disposing of it,” he said.

A Lagos-based Edo indigene, Linus Ojo, also opposed the move, warning that selling the property to finance another project would amount to exchanging a long-term asset for short-term financial gains.

He urged the government to consider alternative sources of funding while transforming the property into a revenue-generating commercial asset.

A member of the Edo Civil Society Organisations, who requested anonymity, cautioned that disposing of the property without broad stakeholder consultation could trigger public backlash.

He described Edo House as an important symbol of the state’s history and identity in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Built during the administration of the late Brigadier Samuel Ogbemudia when the defunct Bendel State was under military rule, Edo House has served for decades as the state’s official liaison office in Lagos.

Responding to the criticism, Afegbua dismissed the opposition, alleging that many of those resisting the sale benefitted from previous arrangements surrounding the property.

“Those making noise about the sale are people who benefitted from the old order. Our responsibility is to take decisions that will deliver greater value and development for Edo people,” he said.

Despite the government’s assurances, opposition to the proposed sale continues to grow, with stakeholders insisting that redeveloping Edo House would preserve its historical significance while generating sustainable revenue for the state.