BENIN CITY — Edo State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee wey dey look into the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) matter and the Radisson Blu Hotel project don summon former Governor Godwin Obaseki, MOWAA Director Philip Iheanacho and many oda people wey join hand for the projects.
The committee wan clear ground on how money take enter the projects, how the work take start, and the kind arrangement wey dem do for the Radisson Blu Hotel during Obaseki time for office.
Pipo and companies wey dem call include Tilbury House Nigeria Limited, Pramod Thorat, Hospitality Investment and Management Company (HIMC), Afrinvest Capital Limited, Meristem Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd.
For statement wey the committee secretary, Bekisu Oshone Wilson, sign, all of dem must show face on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Accountant General: “N3.8 Billion Don Enter MOWAA”
For last week public hearing, Edo State Accountant General, Julius Anelu, yan say government release N3.8 billion between March 2022 and April 2024 as Edo State contribution to the MOWAA project.
He talk say the money suppose attract $18 million (about N27 billion) from international donors, but treasury no see shishi from any foreign partner.
“The Treasury no get record of any income from international donors. We no receive any $18 million,” he talk.
Anelu still explain say the first N800 million wey dem pay follow the 2022 budget, one voucher go Legacy Restoration Trust, the remaining two go straight to MOWAA.
Benin Royal Family: “Dem Hijack Our Museum Project”
Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, wey represent the Benin Royal Family, talk for oral and video presentation say the former administration and their people “hijack” the original Benin Royal Museum idea and rename am as MOWAA.
He talk say foreign donors first believe say Oba of Benin dey involved, na why dem show interest. But when dem later discover say palace no dey inside the arrangement, donor confidence begin drop.
