In a development highlighting ongoing scrutiny of legacy projects from the previous administration, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, received the report and resolutions from a five-man ad-hoc committee of the Edo State House of Assembly investigating the state's stakes in the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu Hotel projects in Benin City.
The presentation took place at the Government House in Benin City, where the committee, chaired by Hon. Barr. Emankhu Isibor Addeh (representing Esan North East Constituency I), submitted its findings following a mandate issued about a month earlier. The probe was initiated at the governor's request to address discrepancies in ownership structures and funding for the two high-profile initiatives launched under former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Governor Okpebholo, while receiving the report, pledged full implementation of its recommendations and announced plans to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for deeper investigation into the matters raised. He emphasized Edo State's substantial financial commitments: over ₦3.8 billion in the MOWAA project and more than ₦28 billion in the Radisson Blu Hotel.
"I want to appreciate and thank members of the committee for a thorough job because the issues surrounding MOWAA and Radisson Hotel are disturbing to the people of Edo State," Okpebholo stated. "If the previous administration had done well, there would have been no need to set up this committee."
He described controversies around MOWAA, including changes in its structure and nomenclature, as necessitating the probe. "Edo State has spent over ₦3.8 billion on this project, yet some people are saying the state has no stake in it. That is totally unacceptable. I will work with your recommendations and forward them to the relevant authorities... We will also involve the EFCC."
On the Radisson Blu Hotel, the governor rejected claims of the state holding only a 10% stake despite the massive investment. "Our investment in this project is over ₦28 billion. We must invite the EFCC to step in and determine if this is how businesses are conducted in Nigeria."
The committee's report, as adopted by the Assembly, reportedly indicts aspects of the previous administration's handling of the projects and recommends that the state government immediately take possession of both assets, complete ongoing works on the hotel, and pursue recovery of funds where necessary.
Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, who led the delegation presenting the report, noted that the five-man panel commenced work promptly upon formation, gathering necessary documents. "The facts are now clearly documented in resolutions and outcomes which we are submitting to you today for prompt action," he said.
The investigation stems from Governor Okpebholo's formal request to the Assembly in October 2025, following an initial asset verification exercise that flagged concerns over state stakes in these projects. The ad-hoc committee's work involved reviewing funding sources, land titles, and partnership agreements, amid allegations of irregular transfers and insufficient returns on public investments.
The MOWAA project, aimed at establishing a world-class cultural institution in Benin City, has been contentious, with questions over land allocation from the old Central Hospital site and the role of private entities like the Legacy Restoration Trust. Similarly, the Radisson Blu Hotel renovation, intended to boost tourism, has faced scrutiny over bond proceeds and equity shares.
In a separate but related event on the same day, Governor Okpebholo swore in Mr. Chris Okaeben (also referred to as Chris Ewere Okaeben) as a commissioner in the State Executive Council. Okaeben, a former lawmaker and experienced politician, had his confirmation delayed for over 83 days due to earlier petitions but was finally cleared by the Assembly following a gubernatorial request.
Administering the oath, Okpebholo urged the new commissioner to align his duties with the administration's SHINE Agenda—focusing on Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education. "Our SHINE Agenda must guide your actions as we work to develop Edo State. You have been called upon to contribute your quota... and we will support you to succeed."
Okaeben, in response, described the appointment as a great honour and responsibility, praising the governor's focused leadership. He pledged total loyalty and commitment to delivering on the state's development goals.
This dual event underscores the Okpebholo administration's emphasis on accountability, transparency in public investments, and building a complete cabinet to drive its policy priorities. As the EFCC's potential involvement looms, the developments could escalate political tensions between the current All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has previously defended the projects as transparent public-private partnerships designed to enhance Edo's cultural and tourism sectors.
Analysts note that resolving these probes could impact investor confidence in Edo State, particularly in heritage and hospitality initiatives tied to the Benin Kingdom's rich history. The governor's actions signal a commitment to reclaiming perceived state assets while advancing governance reforms.
