Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has cautioned the management of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) against encroaching on land belonging to the Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH).
Idahosa issued the warning on Thursday during a site visit, expressing displeasure over MOWAA’s alleged disregard for earlier directives on boundary demarcation.
He explained that Governor Monday Okpebholo mandated him to enforce compliance with the agreed demarcation lines between the two institutions.
“Governor Okpebholo asked me to advise and also warn the MOWAA management to stick to the demarcation lines between the ESH and the MOWAA institution,” Idahosa said.
As part of the visit, the deputy governor supervised the demolition of sections of the obsolete tuberculosis building at the hospital and monitored clearance of debris to pave the way for the hospital’s expansion project.
Recounting previous interventions, he said: “A few weeks ago, we came here to give clear demarcation on the boundary between MOWAA and ESH. Apparently, the MOWAA management decided to encroach on land allocated to ESH.
“We have now given them the correct coordinates and sealed off the part that belongs to the hospital. At this point, MOWAA can no longer encroach.”
Idahosa stressed that the government’s priority is the health and safety of Edo residents, adding that lawful boundaries must be respected.
“This is not a witch-hunt. The governor has been fair enough to allow MOWAA to continue with what we met on ground. He has not encroached or done anything contrary to the law. Hence, MOWAA must also stick to the law,” he added.
The Chief Medical Director of ESH, Dr. Anthonia Njoku, commended Governor Okpebholo for protecting the hospital’s expansion interest.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, Mr. Imoisili Igabali, said negotiations had been ongoing with MOWAA over the demarcation, noting that a temporary perimeter wall had been erected.
“As an agency, our responsibility is to ensure that development in the state complies with laid down rules and regulations,” Igabali said.
