Obaseki Faces Possible Arrest Warrant as Edo Assembly Probes MOWAA, Radisson Deals

The Edo State House of Assembly ad hoc committee that is looking into the ownership and funding of the Radisson Hotel and the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has issued a warning, citing its constitutional authority to issue an arrest warrant for former governor Godwin Obaseki for his refusal to appear before the committee.

According to reports, Governor Monday Okpebholo asked the House to look into the state’s ₦3.8 billion investment in MOWAA and ₦28 billion investment in the Radisson Hotel project, which led to the committee’s formation.

On Thursday, the committee voiced its unhappiness after Obaseki and a number of others declined invitations, sending legal representatives who justified their absence by claiming ongoing legal proceedings.

Addeh Isibor, the committee’s chairman, asserted that lawsuits could not halt the committee’s operations and that the panel had the legal right to require participation.

During the committee’s next meeting, Isibor stated, “These gentlemen have unilaterally chosen to absent themselves, citing court cases regarding our sitting or issues under consideration.”

We are intelligent individuals, not idiots. Investigations are required by the Constitution. A stay of proceedings cannot be obtained by simply filing a lawsuit in court.

Isibor said that none of the attorneys included legitimate court procedures in their correspondence, denouncing what he called attempts to impede the committee’s work.

The fact that none of the SANs included court procedures to the letters is even more disrespectful. These are blank letters. They wish to prevent this committee from addressing the core of the issue.

“We consider the letters to be unworthy. He stated, “The Edo Assembly is not a party to the suit, but the committee retains 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 among those invited alongside Obaseki.

The investigation comes after demonstrators attacked MOWAA on November 9, alleging the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin, causing a high-profile exhibition there to devolve into turmoil.

Security personnel hurried to evacuate dignitaries as the preview, which was intended for international diplomats, businesspeople, and artists, came to a premature stop.

Later, footage of scared visitors—including German and European Union ambassadors—being led out under strict security went viral.