The Edo House of Assembly on Monday resolved to urge the state government to take over ownership of the Museum of West African Arts and Radisson Hotel, Benin.
The resolution followed plenary consideration of reports from two ad hoc committees, constituted by the speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, to examine ownership issues surrounding both facilities.
Presenting the MOWAA report, committee chairman Isibor Addeh said it contained 11 findings and three recommendations after extensive investigations.
Similarly, the majority leader, Jonathan Ibhamawu, presented the Radisson Hotel report, noting it had “13 findings and four recommendations”.
Lawmakers were told the Central Hospital title was never revoked before certificates of occupancy were issued to Legacy Restoration Trust and later MOWAA, without compensation for the 6.210 hectares.
The committee said the Edo government provided N3.850 billion to develop the MOWAA Pavilion, adding there was “no evidence of any other financial contribution”.
It further alleged that MOWAA director Philip Ehenacho George was a long-time business partner of former Governor Godwin Obaseki through AfriInvest companies.
The report also claimed that Mr George was illegally gifted 55 per cent of the Edo government’s shares in Benin Enterprise Park through Amaya Real Estate.
Adopting the MOWAA report, the parliament urged the government to “immediately take over possession” of the premises, stressing the project was solely state-funded.
It added that the land “remains” Central Hospital property and should be urgently deployed in the best interest of the Edo people.
Regarding the Radisson Hotel, the committee said the hotel was purchased by the Edo government for N2 billion in December 2021. It described a subsequent deed of assignment involving Hospitality Investment Management Company as “totally fraudulent”, since ownership already rested with the Edo government.
Lawmakers were told the certificate of occupancy issued to HIMC was “completely illegal” because no title transfer had occurred from the Edo government.
The report stated there was no approval by the State Executive Council or parliament for any ownership transfer, as required by law. It maintained that ownership of the hotel remained with the Edo government and was never transferred to MOFI or HIMC.
The lawmakers further declared agreements seeking ownership through HIMC share purchases “void”, alleging conflicts of interest involving Mr Obaseki and associates.
Adopting the recommendations, lawmakers urged the government to “take full and total control” of the hotel immediately.
The lawmakers urged the immediate revocation of the “fraudulent” certificate of occupancy issued to HIMC.
(NAN)
