The Edo State House of Assembly has issued a stern warning to former governor Godwin Obaseki for declining to appear before its Ad hoc Committee investigating the alleged N31.8 billion tie-up involving the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel project.
The Assembly committee said it has the authority to ask police to compel attendance.
At a resumed session of the committee, Obaseki along with several former officials and corporate figures submitted letters via their lawyers refusing the summons.
They pointed to ongoing court proceedings relating to MOWAA as justification for their absence.
The committee chair, Addeh Isibor, voiced disappointment. He argued the hearing is fact-finding, not a witch-hunt.
He rejected the excuses as legally baseless and warned that the mere existence of a court case does not automatically bar the committee from functioning.
“These individuals have unilaterally chosen to stay away,” Isibor said. “No court order before us prevents this hearing. They cannot later claim denial of fair hearing,” he added.
He accused those who skipped the session of filing last-minute court suits to derail the probe.
The committee emphasised it remains empowered by the constitution to investigate any matter involving appropriation of public funds.
If summoned persons continue to refuse, the Assembly will not hesitate to request police intervention.
In related developments, the probe ordered by sitting governor Monday Okpebholo seeks clarity over N3.8 billion allegedly invested by the state in MOWAA, and a further N28 billion connected to the Radisson Hotel project.
Several high-profile names were invited alongside Obaseki, including a former finance commissioner, ex-attorney general, and managing directors of multiple investment firms and trustees.
Meanwhile, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to compiling a report grounded solely in evidence. It vowed to press on until all relevant issues are resolved, regardless of who turns up.