Due to Godwin Obaseki’s refusal to appear before the Edo State House of Assembly ad hoc committee looking into the ownership and funding of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel, the committee has issued a warning that it has the constitutional authority to issue an arrest warrant.
According to reports, the committee was established in response to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s request that the House look into the state’s ₦28 billion investment in the Radisson Hotel project and ₦3.8 billion in MOWAA.
The committee voiced its unhappiness on Thursday after Obaseki and a number of others declined invitations, sending legal representatives to explain their absence by citing pending court proceedings.
Addeh Isibor, the committee’s chairman, asserted that lawsuits could not halt the committee’s operations and stated that the panel had the legal right to require participation.
“These gentlemen have unilaterally chosen to absent themselves, citing court cases regarding our sitting or issues under consideration,” Isibor stated during the committee’s subsequent meeting.
“We are intelligent people, not idiots. We are required under the Constitution to conduct investigations. A stay of proceedings cannot be obtained simply by filing a lawsuit in court.
Isibor denounced what he called attempts to impede the committee’s work, pointing out that none of the attorneys included legitimate court procedures in their correspondence.
The fact that none of the SANs included court procedures with the letters is even more disrespectful. These letters are blank. They wish to prevent this committee from addressing the underlying issues.
“We reject the letters because they are unworthy. He stated, “The Edo Assembly is not a party to the suit, but the committee reserves the right to involve law enforcement to ensure compliance.”
Former Commissioner for Finance Joseph Eboigbe, former Attorney General Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, and important stakeholders from businesses connected to the projects, such as Tilbury House Nigeria Ltd., Hospitality Investment and Management Company, Afrinvest Capital Ltd., Meristem Trustees Ltd., and Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd., were invited alongside Obaseki.
The investigation comes after demonstrators attacked MOWAA on November 9, alleging the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin, and a high-profile exhibition there turned into turmoil.
The preview, which was intended for international diplomats, investors, and artists, came to a premature end as security personnel hurried to evacuate dignitaries.
Later, video of scared visitors—including German and European Union ambassadors—being led out under strict security went viral.
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