The Edo State House of Assembly has resolved to call on the state government to take full ownership of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel in Benin, following investigations into disputed ownership of the properties.
The decision came after plenary sessions reviewing reports from two ad-hoc committees established by the Speaker, Chief Blessing Agbebaku, to examine legal and financial matters surrounding both establishments.
Presenting the findings on MOWAA, committee chairman Mr. Isibor Addeh noted that the report contained 11 key findings and three recommendations.
Among the revelations was that the Edo State government had invested N3.85 billion into the development of the museum pavilion, with no documented contribution from any other party.
The committee also alleged that the MOWAA Director, Mr. Philip Ehenacho George, had longstanding business links with former Governor Godwin Obaseki through various AfriInvest ventures and was unlawfully granted 55 per cent of the state’s shares in the Benin Enterprise Park via Amaya Real Estate.
In light of these findings, the House adopted the report and urged the government to take immediate possession of MOWAA, asserting that the project was entirely funded by the state and that the land remained property of the Central Hospital, to be utilized for the public good.
Similarly, the Radisson Hotel report, presented by Majority Leader Mr. Jonathan Ibhamawu, highlighted 13 findings and four recommendations.
The committee stated that although the hotel was purchased by the Edo government for N2 billion in December 2021, a subsequent Deed of Assignment involving Hospitality Investment Management Company (HIMC) was “completely fraudulent.”
The committee emphasised that the Certificate of Occupancy issued to HIMC was illegal, and that no approvals were obtained from either the State Executive Council or the House of Assembly for any ownership transfer.
The Assembly resolved that the state should immediately take full control of the Radisson Hotel, revoke the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy, and engage a reputable contractor to complete ongoing renovations, ensuring that the property serves the interest of Edo residents.
The lawmakers stressed that ownership of both MOWAA and the Radisson Hotel legally remained with the Edo State Government and should be safeguarded for public benefit.
The resolutions reflect the Assembly’s determination to reclaim state assets and ensure that major projects funded with public resources are managed transparently and in the interest of the people.
