BENIN CITY: The Edo State House of Assembly has exposed a N37 billion discrepancy in claims by the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) over funds raised for the project, while also raising questions over the ownership of the Radisson Blu Hotel.
The Assembly said that the investigations are aimed at protecting state assets rather than targeting former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The revelation came during a press briefing by the chairmen of the ad-hoc committees probing the two projects, Hon. Ibhamawu Aigbokhan and Hon. Addeh Isibor.
Hon. Isibor, leading the MOWAA probe, said the museum had asserted it raised about N37 billion for the project, but the committee’s review of audited financial records found the figure inconsistent.
He recommended that Governor Monday Okpebholo take full possession of the museum premises, stressing that Edo State Government funds were used for the project.
The committee also suggested reverting the property to the Central Hospital, as the original land allocation had never been formally revoked.
“The Edo State Government should immediately take steps to put the property to good use in the overriding public interest of Edo people,” Isibor said.
On the Radisson Blu Hotel, Hon. Aigbokhan disclosed that the state had not received any payment despite the Assembly approving N2 billion for its acquisition.
Ownership had never been legally transferred from the Edo State Government to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) or the Hospitality Investment and Management Company (HIMC), prompting the committee to advise that the government assume full control of the facility.
The Assembly emphasised that the probes are strictly to clarify financial and ownership matters and safeguard state assets, not to single out any individual.
