Tension in Edo as Okpebholo Orders Probe Into Obaseki’s Government Projects

The Edo State Government has announced plans to investigate two major projects initiated by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s immediate past administration. The move, approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo, aims to verify the state’s financial involvement and the status of the projects.

A letter dated October 8, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, was addressed to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, requesting a legislative probe.

The letter, titled “Investigation of Two Critical Projects in the State,” called for an oversight investigation into the Radisson Blu Hotel project and the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), both legacy projects linked to the previous administration.

According to the document, the investigation seeks to “ascertain the current status of the projects, the role of the Edo State Government, and its financial stake in each.” The House has been directed to invite the respective contractors, consultants, and any relevant state agencies connected to the two projects.

The statement further recalled that upon assumption of office, Governor Okpebholo inaugurated an Assets Verification Committee to assess and document all government assets and liabilities as of November 11, 2024. The committee’s findings reportedly prompted the request for a deeper investigation.

Quoting from the letter, the SSG wrote:

“Based on the report of the Committee, 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 Hotels and the Museum for West African Arts, MOWAA.”

Meanwhile, the Edo State House of Assembly is expected to set up an ad-hoc committee on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, to commence the probe and submit its findings to the executive arm.

Political observers in the state have described the move as part of Governor Okpebholo’s broader push for transparency and accountability in governance. The probe’s outcome is expected to shed more light on how public funds were managed in the closing years of the Obaseki administration.