The Edo State Government is advancing plans to sell Edo House, its state-owned liaison office located at 1225 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. Prince Kassim Afegbua, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, confirmed the decision, stating the building no longer generates revenue and incurs significant maintenance costs. He noted that the previous administration had collected rent years in advance, leaving the current government with no income from the property despite ongoing expenses.
Proceeds from the sale are expected to fund the construction of an International Conference Centre at the Garrick Memorial School grounds in Benin City. Afegbua argued the new facility would create jobs and generate long-term revenue for the state, positioning the sale as a strategic economic decision. However, resistance is mounting among Edo stakeholders who view Edo House as a historical landmark.
Built during the military administration of the late Brig. Samuel Ogbemudia, Edo House is seen by many as a symbol of the state's identity and a tribute to a revered leader. Former governors Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki had previously considered selling the property, but both faced strong opposition and abandoned the idea. Dr Pedro Obaseki, former Managing Director of the Edo Development and Property Agency, recently urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to preserve the building, calling it a "historic public inheritance" belonging to all Edo people. Afegbua dismissed critics, suggesting some had benefited from past administrations.
The government claims selling Edo House will fund a new conference centre, yet offers no timeline or price for the sale, leaving the public to assess risk versus reward. For Edo people, the loss of a physical symbol tied to Ogbemudia's legacy may outweigh unproven future gains from a project not yet built.
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