The Edo State House of Assembly Ad-hoc Committee investigating the controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has announced the conclusion of its public inquiry, with a final report scheduled for presentation to the House next week.
Committee Chairman, Mr. Addeh Isibor, disclosed this during Monday’s public hearing at the Assembly complex in Benin City, describing the investigation as a critical step toward resolving questions about the financing and management of the MOWAA project.
Key Revelations on MOWAA Funding
Appearing before the committee, the State Accountant General, Mr. Julius Anelu, revealed that between March 2022 and April 2024, the Edo Government released ₦3.8 billion as counterpart funding for the MOWAA project. The funds were intended to attract $18 million (about ₦27 billion at the time) from international donors and investors.
However, Anelu confirmed that his office had no record of the supposed donor funds.
“The Treasury is not aware of any income from international donors. We did not receive any $18 million for the project,” he said.
He further clarified that the initial ₦800 million released for the project was duly appropriated in the 2022 state budget, with payment vouchers issued to both Legacy Restoration Trust and MOWAA.
Benin Royal Family’s Position
In a detailed oral and video presentation, Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, representing the Benin Royal Family, alleged that the original Benin Royal Museum project was “hijacked” by the immediate past governor and associates, who renamed it MOWAA to retain control of repatriated Benin artefacts.
He claimed that international donors initially showed interest because they believed the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, was directly involved, but confidence waned when they discovered otherwise.
Erediauwa urged the committee to extend scrutiny beyond local stakeholders, insisting that individuals outside Edo State should also be investigated.
Committee’s Next Steps
Isibor noted that MOWAA representatives failed to appear before the committee on two occasions, despite agreeing to a date. He said the committee would rely on documentary evidence voluntarily submitted by MOWAA.
Addressing concerns about a suit filed by MOWAA at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Isibor explained that neither the Edo Government nor the Assembly was listed as a party, allowing the committee to proceed with its findings.
Radisson Blu Hotel Project Under Scrutiny
In a related development, another Ad-hoc Committee of the Assembly raised concerns over the financing of the Radisson Blu Hotel project.
The committee questioned why over ₦20 billion was paid to River Jameson, a private entity holding 80% equity in the project, despite reportedly making no financial contribution. The State Government, meanwhile, holds only 20% equity despite bearing the bulk of the financial burden.
The committee directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Bernard Aigbe, to present verifiable documents detailing the exact funds committed to the hotel’s construction at its next sitting.
Majority Leader and Committee Chairman, Mr. Jonathan Ibhawum, said earlier submissions lacked sufficient detail, while Isibor questioned the rationale behind signing off financial documents that ceded majority equity to a private entity.
The committee also summoned the Managing Directors of Tibury, Emerging African Trustees Ltd., and Meristem Trustee Ltd. to appear on Wednesday, November 26, for clarification.