Edo Assembly Probe: No Plot Against Obaseki as Lawmakers Move to Reclaim MOWAA, Radisson Blu Assets
Concerns over the ownership and financial management of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu Hotel project in Benin City have triggered a formal probe by the Edo State House of Assembly, with lawmakers insisting the exercise is not targeted at former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
PulseNets learnt that the chairman of the ad hoc committee investigating the two projects, Ibhamawu Aigbokhan, clarified the position during a press briefing in Benin City on Tuesday where the committee unveiled its findings.
Aigbokhan, who spoke to PulseNets alongside other members of the investigative panel, explained that the inquiry was primarily aimed at resolving ownership uncertainties surrounding the assets and ensuring that Edo State interests are protected.
PulseNets reported that the committee raised concerns over the transfer of ownership of the Radisson Hotel to the Hospitality Investments and Management Company (HIMC), noting that the Edo State House of Assembly was never formally informed of the move.
According to Aigbokhan, the development occurred despite legislative approval of N2 billion for the acquisition of the hotel project.
The committee further examined the funding structure of the Museum of West African Arts, where discrepancies reportedly surfaced between publicly stated fundraising figures and the organisation’s audited financial records.
PulseNets learnt that the museum’s management claimed to have raised approximately N37 billion for the development of the cultural institution. However, the committee said its review of audited financial statements did not align with that figure.
Following its investigation, the committee recommended that Governor Monday Okpebholo assume full possession of the MOWAA premises, arguing that the Edo State Government substantially financed the project.
It also advised that the property should revert to Central Hospital, maintaining that the original land allocation tied to the hospital was never officially revoked.
“The Edo state government should immediately take steps to put the property to good use in the overriding interest of the people of the state,” Aigbokhan said.
On the Radisson Blu facility, PulseNets learnt that the committee urged the Edo government to take complete control of the hotel complex after its review indicated that no payment was received by the state for the property.
Lawmakers said the situation persisted despite the Assembly’s earlier approval of N2 billion meant for the purchase of the hotel.
Aigbokhan told PulseNets that legal ownership of the hotel was never formally transferred from the Edo State Government to either the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) or the Hospitality Investments and Management Company.
The committee further recommended that the state government engage qualified contractors to complete renovation work on the hotel and put the facility into productive use.
In addition, lawmakers advised the government to revoke what the committee described as a fraudulently issued Certificate of Occupancy granted to HIMC and restore the property fully to the Edo State Government.
PulseNets obtained from the briefing that the committee also called for immediate legal steps to recover N17.5 billion in outstanding bond proceeds linked to the projects.
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According to Aigbokhan, the funds were allegedly being held in escrow accounts managed by Meristem Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.
The committee recommended that the Edo State Government work closely with relevant anti-corruption agencies and initiate legal proceedings where necessary to recover the funds and ensure transparency in the handling of public assets.
