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In 2019, Tony Adun, popularly known as Tony Kabaka, made headlines when he reportedly acquired two lions for security purposes at his residence in Benin City, Edo State. Tony Kabaka, a well-known political figure, contractor, and former chairman of Akugbe Ventures, claimed that these lions were meant to enhance security on his property. The story caught the attention of Nigerians and spurred a public debate about the legality and ethics of owning wild animals like lions for personal security in the country.

What Happened to the Lions?

After the initial media buzz, little has been publicly reported about the fate of the two lions. Owning such dangerous animals in a residential area sparked concerns among wildlife activists and local authorities. There were no confirmed incidents involving the lions harming anyone, but the overall lack of updates may suggest that they were either relocated or kept in a controlled environment. It’s also possible that they were moved to a more secure facility, either by government authorities or Kabaka himself, to prevent any potential accidents.

Is It Legal to Own Lions in Nigeria?

The legality of owning exotic animals like lions in Nigeria is governed by various wildlife protection laws, including the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act, which was passed to regulate the ownership and trade of endangered species. While owning lions may not be expressly illegal, keeping wild animals for personal use, particularly in urban or residential areas, is generally discouraged and often subject to strict regulations. Owners would need to secure permits from relevant government agencies, such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), to legally house such animals.

However, enforcement of wildlife laws in Nigeria can be inconsistent, allowing some individuals, especially those with political influence like Kabaka, to sidestep certain regulations.

Tony Kabaka’s Role in Edo Politics

Tony Kabaka has become a significant political figure in Edo State, known for his influence as a chieftain and his association with key political players. His journey from being a well-known “area boy” or street tout to a political kingpin is emblematic of how street-level thugs have transformed into influential political forces in parts of Nigeria.

As a leader with deep connections to grassroots movements, Kabaka wields considerable power, often using it to mobilize support during elections. His status as a “political godfather” in Edo State means that he can influence decisions, especially those concerning political endorsements, contracts, and party loyalty.

What Else Can He Do Illegally?

As someone associated with political thuggery and touts, Kabaka, like other political figures with similar backgrounds, is often accused of being involved in activities that push the limits of legality. While nothing has been conclusively proven in court, people in his position are sometimes rumored to engage in practices such as:

  1. Election Rigging and Violence: In many parts of Nigeria, political thugs are employed to intimidate voters, disrupt opposition campaigns, or even alter election results through ballot snatching and other illegal tactics.
  2. Illegal Tax Collection (Agbero): Kabaka and other powerful figures have often been accused of setting up informal tax collection schemes, especially in markets, parks, and motorways. These levies, collected by touts, go directly to such individuals instead of the government.
  3. Land Grabbing: With considerable political influence, Kabaka could potentially be involved in the illegal acquisition of land, either through intimidation or by manipulating the local land tenure system.
  4. Extortion and Protection Rackets: Political thugs sometimes run extortion rings where businesses and residents are forced to pay for “protection” or face threats of violence. Kabaka’s acquisition of lions could be seen as symbolic of the intimidation factor that such figures often project.
  5. Influence Over Public Contracts: Kabaka has been linked with the award of public contracts, especially road construction projects. His close ties with certain political factions enable him to secure lucrative government contracts, often without due process or competitive bidding.

Conclusion

Tony Kabaka’s ownership of two lions in 2019 raised concerns not only about wildlife protection but also about the growing impunity of powerful political figures in Nigeria. While the fate of the lions remains uncertain, Kabaka’s trajectory in Edo State politics exemplifies the complex interplay between political influence, street-level thuggery, and a weak regulatory environment. Although certain actions he is associated with are illegal or borderline legal, his position in society continues to grant him a level of immunity that many touts-turned-politicians enjoy in Nigeria.

The question of what else Tony Kabaka can do illegally remains speculative, but his influence in Edo politics suggests that, like many in his position, he has ample opportunity to exploit the system for personal gain.

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