The Edo State Government on Tuesday sealed the Eterno Hotel belonging to the Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Committee, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.

The hotel, which is on Aiguobasimwin Crescent, Off Ikpokpan Road, Government Reservation Area, Benin, was sealed by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, as evidenced by an official inscription bearing the code 29.425 ESDBCA placed at the hotel premises.

ESDBCA is charged with ensuring compliance with state regulations on planning, development, and building control.

Guests at the hotel were seen checking out, while those who were hoping to check in had no option but to turn back and look for accommodation elsewhere.

Iduoriyekemwen, a former governorship aspirant, ran for the 2023 Edo South Senatorial seat but lost to the Labour Party candidate, Senator Neda Imasuen.

Speaking on the issue, Iduoriyekemwen expressed dismay and said the government’s action was purely political, as he had not violated any law that would warrant sealing up his hotel.

He said, “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 dash down to the hotel. “When I asked them what law I had infringed upon, they said that they were carrying out instructions from the government. You can see some of the guests are leaving.

“I don’t know why a state would want to destroy an indigene’s investment. Last time, they revoked the Certificate of Occupancy of the land. I saw it in the papers. This one they are doing now, I don’t know.”

When asked what would be his next line of action, the Peoples Democratic Party stalwart said he would seek legal redress to challenge the action of the government.