Don't sell Edo House in Lagos, indigenes advise government

A cross-section of Edo citizens on Wednesday advised the state government against the sale of 'Edo House'' in Lagos, saying it was a legacy which should not be sold.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gov. Adams Oshiomhole on Oct. 11 said that the Edo State Liaison House in Lagos, which was 'rotting away', would be sold to enable the government to construct a five-star hotel.

Oshiomhole then said: 'I think it makes more sense for Edo people to sell the house and bring the investment down to the state and build a five-star hotel.'

However, NAN reports that the proposed sale has elicited a lot of reactions from citizens of the state, both within and outside the state.

Prof. Edobor Omoregie, a professor of law at the University of Benin, told NAN that the government's plan was ill-advised.

'The Edo House is a state legacy that should be preserved. It is in a prime location and only needs to be given to a property manager or put on lease for better results,' Omoregie said.

Also speaking, Chief Patrick Eholor, a businessman, urged Oshiomhole to respect the wishes of the people and jettison the planned sale of the property.

'The people have spoken clearly against the planned sale; the governor should listen to them.

'The government should not sell the building; it should look for people who can manage the property on behalf of the people,' Eholor said.

An estate valuer, Mr Paul Ojeh also told NAN that the state government was ill-advised, stressing that the government should not go ahead with the sale of the property.

However, Mr Afolabi Olayiwola, a resident of the state, noted that the reasons adduced by the government for the proposed sale of the property were quite credible.

'I want to believe that the government has genuine reasons for their plan and I also believe that the arguments, being put forward by the people opposing the sale, are also genuine,' said Olayiwola, a lawyer. (NAN)