The Edo State House of Assembly has submitted the report of its investigation into the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu Hotel project, recommending that anti-corruption agencies review the funding and ownership structures linked to the former administration.
The Edo State House of Assembly has submitted its investigative report on the financing and ownership of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu Hotel project, recommending that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) examine key financial transactions undertaken during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The report followed a series of legislative hearings ordered by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who raised concerns over the state’s alleged ₦3.8 billion investment in MOWAA and more than ₦28 billion sunk into the Radisson Blu Hotel development.
The Assembly said its findings indicated that the Edo State Government funded the construction of the MOWAA Pavilion and that the land on which the facility sits remains registered to the defunct Central Hospital in Benin City. It added that there was no documented proof of donor contributions.
On the Radisson Blu project, the Assembly recommended that the state government work with the EFCC and other anti-graft bodies to recover ₦17.5 billion allegedly held by two escrow agents — Meristen Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited. It further alleged that ₦10 billion said to have been paid by investors did not enter the state coffers.
Several senior officials of the previous administration, including former Governor Obaseki and former Finance Commissioner Joseph Eboigbe, did not appear before the investigative panel. Obaseki, through his media aide, Crusoe Osagie, argued that the matter was already before a court and that responding to the Assembly’s summons would be sub judice.
Receiving the report, Governor Okpebholo said the recommendations would be implemented and confirmed plans to invite the EFCC. He added that further inquiries could be launched into alleged irregular land allocations during the previous administration.
Meanwhile, Obaseki has denied having any ownership interest in MOWAA, insisting the project was designed to attract tourism-driven investment and diversify Edo’s revenue base.
