Outrage as Group Slams Gov. Okpebholo Over Demolition of NBM Secretariat in Benin

By Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR 

The South-South Professionals & Transparency Initiative (SSPTI) has come down hard on Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State following the shocking demolition of a multi-billion-naira facility belonging to the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa in Benin City.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, the group described the demolition of the NBM multi-purpose national secretariat as “vindictive, outrageous, and a gross abuse of power.” The complex, which reportedly cost over N1.5 billion, housed a 2,000-capacity event center, a skill acquisition hub for youth empowerment, fully furnished guest accommodations, and other top-tier facilities including a swimming pool and power infrastructure.

Governor Okpebholo had claimed the structure was a hideout for criminals—an accusation SSPTI says is baseless and politically motivated. “We have found no credible evidence to justify this reckless act. It was nothing more than a targeted assault designed to settle political scores with perceived opposition figures,” the group alleged.

The Governor had earlier led security operatives to demolish what he described as criminal hideouts across the city, including the NBM Secretariat located at No. 7 Arena Way, Amagba, near the Oba Ewuare II Cultural Center. But SSPTI says the attack was clearly aimed at punishing influential members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), some of whom are reportedly affiliated with NBM.

“Our findings reveal this was a politically charged act aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2024 elections,” Dr. Alozie said. “Instead of confronting individual political rivals, the Governor chose to crush a collective institution that has done nothing but contribute positively to society.”

SSPTI also highlighted NBM’s recent philanthropic work, including donations of desks, chairs, and school supplies to 12 government-run primary and secondary schools across Edo State. “Is this how we repay organizations supporting education and youth development?” the group queried.

Calling the demolition a “senseless and despotic act,” the group urged NBM to pursue legal redress against the Edo State Government. “There is a clear path to justice through the courts. This is a textbook case of executive recklessness and must not go unchallenged.”

SSPTI warned that such abuses of power set a dangerous precedent and must be condemned by all lovers of democracy and justice. “Governor Okpebholo must be held accountable for this brazen misuse of state machinery to intimidate and suppress opposition voices.”