In the complex political landscape of Edo State, one name consistently sparks debate, admiration, and controversy: Tony Adun, popularly known as Tony Kabaka. From grassroots politics to high-stake power plays, Kabaka’s journey reflects the gritty interplay between street influence and mainstream governance in Nigerian politics.

Early Life and Entry Into Politics

Tony Kabaka is a well-known figure in Edo State politics and street mobilization circles. Born May 2, 1980 (approx.), Kabaka rose to prominence not through conventional political offices, but via his deep involvement with youth networks, business interests, and political organizations in Benin City and beyond. He became a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo and served as Youth Leader of the APC in the state — a role that positioned him as an intermediary between political actors and grassroots mobilizers.

Kabaka also built influence as Chairman of Akugbe Ventures, a revenue consultancy firm contracted by the Edo State government to collect taxes and levies from motorists and commercial operators — a system he executed extensively under then-Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration.

A Controversial Rise: Thuggery or Tough Politics?

Public perceptions of Kabaka are sharply divided. Many Filipinos view him as a political organizer who harnesses local networks and street power to influence electoral outcomes. Kabaka has openly discussed mobilizing active confraternity groups to support political campaigns, even drawing attention in a BBC Africa Eye report which associated him with cult groups and their roles in electioneering.

To some Edo residents, Kabaka represents an older model of political muscle — where street influence and organizational clout matter as much as votes at the polls. To others, however, his image is inseparable from accusations of political thuggery and violent enforcement tactics, particularly during heated election periods and intra-party conflicts.

His leadership style has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents decrying his methods as intimidating and detrimental to democratic processes. One such episode occurred when Kabaka led APC supporters in a protest against the arrival of an INEC election review team, an action that was widely criticized as an attempt to undermine formal electoral procedures.

Feuds With Government and Shifts in Power

Kabaka’s relationship with public office hasn’t always been smooth. After backing Obaseki and his allies early in his political career, the transition of power ushered in tensions — particularly when the Obaseki administration moved to modernize revenue collection, ending Kabaka’s contract and replacing manual systems with e-payments. This decision led to the dissolution of his tax-collection network and the loss of employment for many youth operatives aligned with him.

The rivalry reached a symbolic low when T. Latifa Hotel & Suites, a property owned by Kabaka, was demolished by state authorities for alleged illegal land use — a move Kabaka claimed was politically motivated.

Yet Kabaka did not retreat entirely from relevance. At a later point, Governor Monday Okpebholo appointed him as a consultant to the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) — a decision that reignited debate over his role in official governance and the appropriateness of his past record.

Public Perception: A Polarizing Figure

Across Edo State, Kabaka’s influence evokes mixed reactions:

• Supporters and allies see him as a resilient local powerbroker who delivers results, connects with ordinary youths, and understands the mechanics of Edo’s political chessboard. They praise his ability to mobilize large groups and his ongoing engagement on issues affecting grassroots communities.

• Critics and civil society voices, however, argue that his approach blurs the line between organized political activism and intimidation. To these observers, Kabaka’s methods highlight enduring challenges in Nigerian politics, where informal influence structures can overshadow democratic norms.

Polls and discussions in public forums often reflect this divide; some Edo youths view him as a necessary liaison between street politics and elected leaders, while others insist on cleaner, more transparent models of political participation.

Legacy and the Future of Edo Politics

What makes Tony Kabaka a compelling figure is not just his persistence but his embodiment of two contrasting narratives of contemporary Edo politics:

1. The old guard of power — where loyalty, mobilization, and leverage of street networks were essential for political success.

2. The emerging push for reform — where digital systems, rule of law, and institutional politics challenge traditional power brokers.

As younger leaders and activists rise to prominence, the role of figures like Kabaka is increasingly contested. Whether he adapts to evolving political expectations or remains firmly within the old paradigm will shape not only his legacy but also the direction of political engagement in Edo State for years to come.