The lawmakers are seeking explanations on the funding structure, management, and execution of both projects, particularly the financing arrangement for the Radisson Blu Hotel undertaken during Obaseki’s tenure.
Others invited include former senior government officials and private sector partners such as Tilbury House Nigeria Limited, Pramod Thorat, Hospitality Investment and Management Company (HIMC), Afrinvest Capital Limited, Meristem Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd.
According to a statement signed by the Ad-Hoc Committee Secretary, Bekisu Oshone Wilson, all those summoned are to appear before the committee on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Accountant General: N3.8 Billion Released for MOWAA
At a public hearing last week, the Edo State Accountant General, Julius Anelu, revealed that the state government released N3.8 billion as counterpart funding for the MOWAA project between March 2022 and April 2024.
Anelu explained that the state’s contribution was expected to attract $18 million (about N27 billion) from international donors. However, he told the committee that no such funds from donors were ever received.
“The Treasury has no record of any income from international partners. No $18 million was received for the project,” he said.
He further disclosed that the initial N800 million for MOWAA was captured in the 2022 budget, with one payment voucher issued to the Legacy Restoration Trust and two to MOWAA directly.
Benin Royal Family Accuses Ex-Government of Hijacking Museum Concept
Representing the Benin Royal Family, Prince Aghatise Erediauwa presented oral and video evidence accusing the previous administration of “hijacking” the original Benin Royal Museum concept.
He alleged that the MOWAA project was created to take control of repatriated Benin artefacts by presenting it as the royal museum to international partners.
Erediauwa said donors initially showed interest under the assumption that the Oba of Benin endorsed the project, but that confidence dwindled when “they realised the true nature of the arrangement.”
