By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – The Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) adhoc committees set up to review issues surrounding the establishment and ownership of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu Hotel have presented their findings and recommendations.

The committees suggested that the Edo State Government consider taking over the two projects and also recommended that relevant authorities review certain financial and administrative aspects of the projects.

Members of the committees said the exercise was not intended to victimise the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, but to clarify issues surrounding the projects.

According to the committees, the Assembly had earlier approved N2 billion for the purchase of the Radisson Hotel. However, they said the House was not formally notified when ownership arrangements involving the Hospitality Investments and Management Company (HIMC) were made.

The committees also stated that the Assembly and the State Executive Council were not informed of any previous business relationship between the governor and the Director of MOWAA, Emmanuel Ihenacho, prior to the project.

Chairmen of the committees, Hon. Ibhamawu Aigbokhan and Hon. Addeh Isibor, disclosed the findings while presenting their reports.

Presenting the report on MOWAA, Hon. Addeh said figures publicly cited by the organisation regarding funds raised differed from what was reflected in documents reviewed by the committee.

Among its recommendations, the committee advised Governor Monday Okpebholo to consider taking possession of the premises where MOWAA is located, noting that the state government had contributed significantly to the project.

The committee also recommended that the status of the land previously occupied by the Central Hospital, where the MOWAA project is situated, be reviewed since, according to the committee, the original land allocation had not been formally revoked.

The report further advised that the state government should take steps to ensure the property is put to use in what it described as the broader public interest.

On the Radisson Blu project, Hon. Ibhamawu said the committee recommended that the Edo State Government assume full control of the hotel project to ensure its completion and operation.

According to him, the committee also advised the government to engage competent contractors to complete ongoing renovation work and ensure the facility becomes operational.

The committee further recommended a review of the Certificate of Occupancy issued for the property and urged the government to work with relevant authorities to clarify the status of funds from the N17.5 billion bond linked to the project.

Efforts to reach Godwin Obaseki for comments were unsuccessful as calls to his line did not connect.

However, a prominent Edo resident familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said the projects were privately owned investments.

He maintained that the former governor had no personal interest in the ventures and suggested that any concerns raised should be addressed by the respective owners and investors.

The source also noted that some issues relating to the projects are currently before courts, adding that the judicial process should be allowed to run its course.