MOWAA: Edo House of Assembly isn't a Court of Law - Afolabi, SAN

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By Reporter

Barr. Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN, counsel to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has given reason why his client refused to appear before Edo State House of Assembly to defend itself at the panel investigating the establishment of the world class tourism asset.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria insisted that the Court is superior to a state assembly.

Explaining why MOWAA did not appear before the Edo House of Assembly ad hoc Committee investigating the funding and ownership of MOWAA, Afolabi said the court’s decision supercede any recommendations by the Assembly.

“The law is clear. MOWAA has been sued by one of the parties also in the Assembly. There is no need to go to the Assembly Committee.

“There are separation of powers. Whatever they do, it is the court that will still sanction. If a case is in court, the Assembly cannot sit over it.

“We attached the processes and serve them. House of Assembly is not a court of law. Having been aware that the Federal High Court is hearing the case, can the same Assembly that have lawyers to advise them still say they want to continue with the hearing?

“My client cannot appear before the Assembly.

“They can give their verdict. Whatever they give is still subject to the court. They can only give recommendations at best.”