The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging the state government to assume full ownership of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel, Benin, following investigations into alleged irregularities surrounding the facilities.
The decision was reached during plenary on Monday after lawmakers considered reports submitted by two ad-hoc committees set up by Speaker Chief Blessing Agbebaku to probe ownership controversies.
Presenting the report on MOWAA, committee chairman Mr. Isibor Addeh revealed that the investigation produced 11 findings and three recommendations.
Key revelations included:
- The Central Hospital title was never revoked before Certificates of Occupancy were issued to Legacy Restoration Trust and later MOWAA.
- The Edo government invested ₦3.850 billion in developing the MOWAA Pavilion, with no evidence of additional financial contributions from other parties.
- Allegations that MOWAA Director, Mr. Philip Ehenacho George, a long-time business associate of former governor Godwin Obaseki through AfriInvest companies, was illegally gifted 55% of Edo Government shares in Benin Enterprise Park via Amaya Real Estate.
Adopting the report, the Assembly directed the government to immediately reclaim possession of MOWAA, stressing that the project was entirely state-funded and the land remains Central Hospital property.
The Majority Leader, Mr. Jonathan Ibhamawu, presented the Radisson Hotel report, which contained 13 findings and four recommendations.
Highlights included:
- The hotel was purchased by the Edo government for ₦2 billion in December 2021.
- A subsequent Deed of Assignment involving Hospitality Investment Management Company (HIMC) was described as “fraudulent,” since ownership already rested with the state.
- The Certificate of Occupancy issued to HIMC was deemed “illegal,” as no lawful transfer of title occurred.
- No approval was granted by the State Executive Council or Assembly for any ownership transfer, as required by law.
The Assembly maintained that ownership of the hotel remains with the Edo State Government and was never transferred to MOFI or HIMC. Agreements seeking ownership through HIMC share purchases were declared void, with lawmakers alleging conflicts of interest involving the former governor and associates.
Adopting the recommendations, the House urged the government to:
- Take full control of the Radisson Hotel immediately.
- Engage a reputable contractor to complete renovations and ensure the facility benefits Edo residents.
- Revoke the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy issued to HIMC and revert ownership to the Edo government.
Lawmakers stressed that both facilities must be managed transparently and deployed in the best interest of the people of Edo State.