A Lesson From The Kabaka Compensation: Governance, Precedent, and Responsibility
Obaseki, Okpebholo
By Nosa Omorodion
Firstly, I congratulate Tony Kabaka on finally securing justice for the malicious demolition of his house by the Edo State Government under the directive of the immediate past governor, Godwin Obaseki. I also commend the current Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for ensuring that justice was served by approving the payment of ₦914 million in compensation from the state coffers.
The closure of this matter should serve as a powerful lesson to all government officials: reckless and thoughtless actions taken in office today can cost the state dearly in the future. Governors, shielded by constitutional immunity, often wield near-unquestionable power. But power without restraint leaves behind consequences—sometimes financial, sometimes moral—that their successors and the people must bear.
It was always clear that Kabaka would eventually be compensated, particularly if his political party regained power. Sadly, the state has now sacrificed almost a billion naira to settle the fallout of Obaseki’s avoidable vindictiveness.
This lesson is equally important for Governor Okpebholo himself. Without hesitation, he has released scarce state resources for a building demolished in violation of the Constitution. This action sets two clear precedents. First, it establishes the principle that government must pay for unlawful demolitions. Second, it creates a direct parallel with Okpebholo’s ongoing demolition of properties allegedly linked to cult activities. While the government insists that these demolitions are backed by a law passed by the State House of Assembly, the Governor must remain cautious.
We commend his determination to confront violent cultism in Edo State, but he must not plunge the state into another cycle of judgment debt. Even if supported by state law, his actions must not conflict with the Nigerian Constitution. Any law inconsistent with the Constitution is null and void, and every act carried out under such a law is equally illegal. Edo State has already paid ₦914 million for the destruction of one building. Imagine the financial burden if the state were forced to compensate owners of the many other mansions recently demolished—or those earlier destroyed in Obagie.
The purpose of this article is not to discourage Governor Okpebholo from enforcing the law or discredit his efforts against cultism. Rather, it is to urge caution. He must pause and reflect before acting in ways that may saddle the state with more avoidable liabilities.
No one should assume that others will receive compensation as swiftly as Kabaka did. Still, this development is encouraging. It shows that justice, though sometimes delayed, can be achieved. But ultimately, it is the people—not the governors—who pay the price for reckless acts.
Finally, Governor Okpebholo must recognize that the precedent he has set with this payment is not a one-off gesture. It is now a benchmark against which his future actions will be judged—a litmus test for his credibility, responsibility, and respect for the Constitution.
