Okpebholo Orders Probe: The Edo governor directs the State Assembly to investigate Obaseki’s Radisson Blu and MOWAA projects for transparency

Okpebholo Orders Probe into two major projects initiated by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki — the Radisson Blu Hotel and the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) — in what marks a bold step towards government transparency in Edo State.

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Governor Monday Okpebholo issued the directive through a letter dated October 8, 2025, addressed to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

The letter, titled “Investigation of Two Critical Projects in the State,” called for a “thorough oversight investigation” to determine the projects’ current status, funding sources, and the extent of the state’s ownership.

“I write at the instance of His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to request the House to carry out a thorough oversight investigation of two critical ongoing projects initiated by the last administration,” the letter stated.

According to the SSG, the decision was informed by findings from the Assets Verification Committee, established by the Okpebholo administration to document state-owned assets and liabilities as of November 2024.

“Based on the committee’s report, the government saw the need for the House of Assembly to investigate two critical projects which the State Government is believed to have stakes in — the Radisson Blu Hotel and the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA),” the letter added.

The Assembly has also been instructed to summon contractors handling both projects and relevant government agencies to clarify financial, structural, and ownership details.

In response, the Edo State House of Assembly has scheduled Tuesday, October 21, 2025, to set up an ad-hoc committee that will formally commence the probe.

The Okpebholo Orders Probe directive has already stirred discussions across the state, with analysts describing it as a decisive move towards accountability and prudent governance.

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Governor Okpebholo’s latest action aligns with his administration’s promise of openness and responsible stewardship — signalling a new chapter of scrutiny over state investments and legacy projects.