MOWAA: Edo Assembly invites Obaseki, others for questioning

The Edo State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Museum of West African Art and Radisson Hotel has invited the immediate past governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, for questioning.

The invitation was contained in a statement endorsed by the Secretary of the Ad-hoc Committee, Bekisu Oshone, on Thursday.

The statement directed that the former governor and others were expected to appear on December 4, 2025

Other persons invited by the committee are the former Edo Finance Commissioner, Joseph Eboigbe, the former Attorney General of Edo State, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, MOWAA’s Director, Philip Iheanacho and the Managing Director, Tilbury House Nigeria Limited.

Others are Project Manager of Hospitality Investment and Management Company, Pramod Thorat, Managing Director, Afrinvest Capital Limited, Ugochukwu Anigbogu, Managing Director, Meristem Trustees Limited and Managing Director, Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.

The statement read, “The Edo State House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee constituted to investigate the Museum of West African Arts and Radisson Hotel invites former Governor Godwin Obaseki and 10 others/organisations (listed above) to appear before the committee for a public hearing on December 4.”

The statement said attendance by Obaseki and others was required as part of the committee’s investigation. The former governor and other invitees are expected to give insights into the funding of the Radisson Hotel.

The MOWAA and Radisson Hotel were both conceptualised by Obaseki. While the first phase of the MOWAA has been completed and Radisson is nearing completion.

The PUNCH reports that an exhibition at the museum turned chaotic on November 9 as 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 descended into panic when a mob claiming the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin breached parts of the premises.

Viral footage circulating later showed fear-stricken foreign dignitaries being evacuated under tight security.

The ambassadors of the European Union, Germany, among other international guests, were reportedly trapped for a time by the protesters, sparking concerns about their safety.

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