Planned Sale of Edo House in Lagos Sparks Controversy

The Edo State Government's plan to sell Edo House, the state's liaison office in Victoria Island, Lagos, has sparked widespread criticism from political leaders, professionals and civil society groups, who argue that the property is a historic public asset that should be preserved rather than sold. The government says proceeds from the sale will be used to build an international conference centre at the Garrick Memorial School grounds in Benin City, which it believes will create jobs and generate revenue for the state.

Critics, however, insist that Edo House is one of the state's most valuable assets outside Edo and should not be disposed of. Former Managing Director of the Edo Development and Property Agency, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, described the building as "a historic public inheritance," urging the government to redevelop and commercialise the property instead of selling it. Other stakeholders warned that disposing of the building would amount to sacrificing a long-term strategic asset for short-term financial gains.

Civil society groups also cautioned that the proposed sale could face strong public resistance if carried out without broad consultation. They argued that Edo House represents an important part of the state's history and identity in Nigeria's commercial capital and should be protected for future generations. Built during the administration of the late Brig. Samuel Ogbemudia when Bendel State was under military rule, the property has served as Edo State's official presence in Lagos for decades.

Responding to the backlash, the state government defended the decision, arguing that opponents of the sale were beneficiaries of the previous arrangement surrounding the property. Officials maintained that the administration's priority is to take decisions that deliver greater value and development for Edo people, even as pressure mounts on the government to reconsider the plan.