The Edo State House of Assembly has issued a stern warning to former Governor Godwin Obaseki and several other key figures, threatening to compel their appearance through arrest warrants. This dramatic move comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the funding and ownership of two major projects: the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel project in Benin City.
Constitutional Powers Invoked Over Absences
At a resumed sitting on Thursday, 4th December 2025, the Ad hoc Committee leading the probe expressed deep frustration over the refusal of the invited persons to honour its summons. The Committee, chaired by Hon. Addeh Isibor, asserted its constitutional authority to direct the Police to produce anyone who fails to appear. The investigation was initiated following a request by the current Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to scrutinize the state's substantial investments of N3.8 billion in MOWAA and N28 billion in the Radisson Hotel.
Hon. Isibor revealed that Obaseki and the other invitees communicated through their lawyers, providing reasons for their non-attendance. The former governor reportedly cited pending lawsuits related to MOWAA as his grounds for refusal. Isibor, however, dismissed this justification, emphasizing that the committee's mandate is purely fact-finding.
Key Figures Summoned Alongside Obaseki
The list of individuals who failed to appear before the committee is extensive and includes former top officials and project managers. Those summoned are:
- Former Commissioner for Finance, Joseph Eboigbe
- Former Attorney General, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi
- Managing Director of Tilbury House Nigeria Ltd, Pramod Thorat
- Project Manager, Hospitality Investment and Management Company (HIMC), Ugochukwu Anigbogu
- Managing Directors of Afrinvest Capital Ltd, Meristem Trustees Ltd, and Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd
Committee Rejects Legal Excuses, Vows to Proceed
In a firm rebuttal to the legal arguments presented, Chairman Isibor stated that the mere filing of a lawsuit does not constitute a stay of proceedings for a legislative probe. "They ran to court after we commenced the public hearing. No judge can stop our sitting," he declared. He also pointed out that none of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria who wrote on behalf of the invitees attached any court documents to their letters, which the committee subsequently rejected as lacking merit.
Isibor maintained that the Edo State House of Assembly is not a party to any suit and has received no formal court order restraining its work. He stressed that by choosing to be absent, the individuals could not later claim they were denied a fair hearing. The committee resolved to continue its assignment based on available facts and submit its report, while keeping the option of police intervention open to ensure compliance with its summons.
This development marks a significant escalation in the political and legal battle surrounding the financial management of these high-profile projects initiated during the Obaseki administration, setting the stage for a potential constitutional showdown.
