BENIN CITY – The Edo State House of Assembly has announced plans to investigate two multi-billion-naira projects initiated by the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Radisson Blu Hotel project and the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA).
The move followed a letter from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), directing the House to conduct a thorough probe into the current status, level of completion, and financial expenditure on both projects. The letter was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Alhaji Audu Omogbai, during Monday’s plenary in Benin City.
According to the letter, the government requested the intervention of the Assembly to ascertain how far the projects had progressed, the extent of resources committed, and to identify any contractual or administrative irregularities that may have hindered completion.
The Radisson Blu Hotel project, located along the Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Benin City, was conceived as a flagship hospitality investment to boost tourism and attract business visitors to Edo State.
Similarly, EMOWAA, located near Ring Road, was envisioned as a modern museum complex dedicated to preserving and showcasing the state’s cultural and historical heritage, particularly artifacts linked to the ancient Benin Kingdom.
Presiding over the session, Speaker of the House, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the Assembly would not compromise transparency in the probe, stressing that the committee to be inaugurated at the next plenary would be empowered to summon all relevant contractors, consultants, and officials involved in the two projects.
“The House is determined to get to the root of the matter. We want to ensure that taxpayers’ money was judiciously applied and that every public project serves the interest of the Edo people,” Agbebaku stated.
In another correspondence, Governor Monday Okpebholo, through the SSG, Mr. Musa Ikhilo, requested the screening and confirmation of nominees for appointment into the Edo State Judicial Service Commission.
The Speaker referred the request to the House Committee on Judiciary with instructions to expedite action and submit its report without delay.
Also at the plenary, lawmakers passed for second reading a bill seeking to repeal the Edo State Private Health Facility (Prohibition) Law of 1984 and enact the Edo Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) Law 2025.
The proposed law aims to strengthen oversight of private health facilities, improve service quality, and ensure compliance with state health regulations.
During the sitting, the Assembly extended its felicitations to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, on his birthday and ninth coronation anniversary, describing him as a symbol
