By DADA AYOKHAI
The House of Representatives members from Edo state have faced condemnation for sponsoring a motion to investigate the Museum of West African Art in Benin, while overlooking the recent fee hike issue affecting both new intakes and the old students at the University of Benin, which led to some students rejecting admission offers.
The University of Benin’s sudden acceptance fee hike from ₦60,000 to ₦122,000 has left many indigent students unable to afford the acceptance fee, forcing them to decline admission offers.
A viral video shows a lady lamenting a 100% school fee hike, with no one seemingly concerned about helping those who can’t afford it.
The lawmakers are said to be prioritizing the artefacts issue, allegedly to show loyalty to certain stakeholders, potentially paving their way for 2027.
According to a respondent, Mrs Peace Osadolor , I felt disappointed that no one is addressing the issue with the school authorities.
Leading the debate, the member representing Oredo federal constituency,hon Iyawe warned that a project envisioned as a premier West African cultural heritage hub must not become a “backdoor for foreign entities to influence or control Nigeria’s cultural property.”
Esosa Iyawe motion was co-sponsored by six other Edo lawmakers, including Julius Ihonvbere, Peter Akpatason, Billy Osawaru, Omosede Igbinedion, Marcus Onobun, and Okojie Odianosen
The House of Reps ordered an investigation into the Museum of West African Art’s setup, funding, and governance, as per the motion.
Political analysts think the Edo House of Rep members’ motion is unnecessary and a distraction considering that Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, alongside the federal government, has established a committee to investigate the Museum of West African Art controversy, which is also being looked into by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Some Edo North residents are questioning the priorities of their representatives, pointing out the irony that they’re focusing on the Museum of West African Art controversy while ignoring the pressing issue of kidnappings in the zone.
Condemnation Trails Edo Reps Over MOWAA Motion, Ignoring Uniben Fee Hike
