- Safiu Kehinde
The Edo House of Assembly lawmakers have on Monday demanded the state government’s takeover of ownership of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA)and the Radisson Hotel, Benin.
The lawmakers came to the resolution following plenary consideration of reports by two ad-hoc committees constituted by the Speaker, Chief Blessing Agbebaku, to examine ownership issues surrounding both facilities.
Presenting the MOWAA report, committee chairman Mr Isibor Addeh said it contained “11 findings and three recommendations” after extensive investigations.
Similarly, the Majority Leader, Mr Jonathan Ibhamawu, presented the Radisson Hotel report, noting it had “13 findings and four recommendations”.
Lawmakers were told the Central Hospital title was never revoked before Certificates of Occupancy were issued to Legacy Restoration Trust and later MOWAA, without compensation for the 6.210 hectares.
The committee said the Edo government provided N3.850 billion to develop the MOWAA Pavilion, adding there was “no evidence of any other financial contribution.”
It further alleged that MOWAA Director, Mr Philip Ehenacho George, was a long-time business partner of former governor Godwin Obaseki through AfriInvest companies.
The report also claimed Mr George was illegally gifted 55 per cent of Edo Government shares in Benin Enterprise Park through Amaya Real Estate.
Adopting the MOWAA report, the House urged the government to “immediately take over possession” of the premises, stressing the project was solely state funded.
It added that the land “remains Central Hospital property” and should be urgently deployed in the best interest of Edo people.
On Radisson Hotel, the committee said the hotel was purchased by the Edo government for N2 billion in December 2021.
It described a subsequent Deed of Assignment involving Hospitality Investment Management Company as “totally fraudulent”, since ownership already rested with the state.
Lawmakers were told the Certificate of Occupancy issued to HIMC was “completely illegal”, as no title transfer occurred from the Edo government.
The report stated there was no approval by the State Executive Council or Assembly for any ownership transfer, as required by law.
It maintained that ownership of the hotel “remains with the Edo State Government” and was never transferred to MOFI or HIMC.
The House further declared agreements seeking ownership through HIMC share purchases “void”, alleging conflicts of interest involving the former governor and associates.
Adopting the recommendations, lawmakers urged the government to “take full and total control” of the hotel immediately.
They also called for a reputable contractor to complete renovations and ensure the hotel benefits Edo residents.
The Assembly further urged the immediate revocation of the “fraudulent” Certificate of Occupancy issued to HIMC and its reversion to the Edo government.