The immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has stated he will not appear before the State House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee investigating the funding and ownership of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu hotel project.
Naijaonpoint reports that Obaseki, who was scheduled to appear before the Committee on Thursday, cited the ongoing legal proceedings, insisting that the matter is already before the court.
The Ad hoc Committee was set up at the request of Governor Monday Okpebholo to probe the funding and ownership of the projects, including the extent of the state government’s financial investment in MOWAA and the Radisson hotel.
The Committee, through a letter signed by its Secretary, Bekisu Wilson, also invited several other individuals, including former government officials and private sector partners: Former Edo Finance Commissioner, Joseph Eboigbe; Former Attorney-General of Edo State, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi; Managing Director of Tilbury House Nigeria Limited; Pramod Thorat, Project Manager of the Hospitality Investment and Management Company
Ugochukwu Anigbogu, Managing Director of Afrinvest Capital Limited; Managing Director of Meristem Trustees Limited; Managing Director of Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd.
The Committee stated that the attendance of Obaseki and the others was required as a crucial part of its investigative process.
However, in a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki rejected the invitation, describing it as “offensive and laughable.”
He asserted that inviting him to speak on a matter already pending before the court was inappropriate and insisted the Edo Assembly “should understand how the law works.”
He argued that Obaseki could not be compelled to answer separately on an issue that is already being adjudicated.
He said, “It is sub judice for the former governor to appear before the Edo Assembly on a matter already in court. Why subject him to another round of questioning on the same issues?”
The management of MOWAA has also declined to appear before the Ad hoc Committee.
Their counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, maintained that the Assembly’s role is limited to making recommendations, while the court retains the authority to make the final determination on the issues.
The probe follows a period of intense public scrutiny and tension surrounding MOWAA.
Recall that an exhibition at the museum descended into chaos on November 9 when angry protesters stormed the venue, forcing a high-profile event to shut down abruptly.
The preview opening, described as a private exhibition for investors, artists, and foreign envoys, quickly turned chaotic when a mob claiming the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin breached parts of the premises.
Viral footage later showed terrified foreign dignitaries being evacuated under tight security.
The ambassadors of the European Union, Germany, and several other international guests were reportedly trapped for some time by the protesters, raising concerns about their safety.
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