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By Alltimepost Correspondent
… Orders probe into controversial museum project… Oba of Benin faults past govt over MOWAA project
BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday said that his administration was never informed of the recent visit of foreign envoys to the state for events linked to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), describing the development as another sign of the secrecy surrounding the project.
Okpebholo made the revelation while receiving a high-powered delegation of European diplomats, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther, at the Government House in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo who later led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II expressed surprise that the visit and events at MOWAA took place without his knowledge.
He said, “Honestly, I wasn’t aware that such a gathering was going to take place. We have spoken with His Majesty and gotten his side of the story.”
The Governor disclosed that a committee had been set up to investigate the MOWAA project and recommend appropriate actions.
“The committee will look into the matter comprehensively and make recommendations on the way forward,” he said.
Okpebholo blamed the lingering controversy on what he called “a gross lack of transparency” in the handling of the project by the immediate-past administration.
“It is curious how the project evolved from the Benin Royal Museum to the Edo Museum of West African Art, and now to the Museum of West African Art, without clarity or consultation with our revered traditional institution,” he said.
The governor noted that neither his administration nor the Palace was briefed on the financials, ownership structure, or operational framework of the project.
“The previous government never handed over any document concerning MOWAA. I know nothing about its transactions or agreements,” he added.
While expressing his administration’s readiness to partner with development agencies and foreign governments, Okpebholo stressed that transparency and respect for Edo’s cultural heritage were non-negotiable.
“We welcome collaboration, but everything must be open and must honour our traditions,” he said.
He also condemned the demolition of the historic Central Hospital to make way for the MOWAA complex, saying: “Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum? Development must be people-centred.”
Governor Okpebholo assured that his administration would act with fairness and accountability.
“Edo belongs to us all; it’s history and heritage must be protected, not politicized,” he said.
“We are open to genuine collaboration, but it must be guided by transparency and respect for our institutions.”
At the Oba’s Palace, Oba Ewuare II criticized the manner in which the project was conceived and executed, accusing the former governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, of attempting to “mortgage the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artifacts.”
“It is like history wanting to repeat itself,” the monarch said.
“My forefathers suffered during the 1897 invasion, and it is not fair that this is happening again. I refused to sign documents that would have taken away our rights to these artifacts.”
Speaking after the palace visit, EU Ambassador Mignot said the delegation’s mission was to pay homage to the Oba and deepen cooperation with Edo State.
He clarified that while the EU has no direct investment in MOWAA, some member states, including Germany, are partners in the initiative.
German Ambassador Dr. Günther reaffirmed her country’s partnership with Edo in youth empowerment, migration management, and cultural preservation, noting that “peace and transparency are essential to the success of MOWAA.”
Meanwhile, the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has criticised the immediate past Edo State administration led by Godwin Obaseki for allegedly altering the original plan of the Benin Royal Museum and turning it into the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).
The monarch made the remarks while receiving European envoys at his palace in Benin City on Monday, saying the change was done without the palace’s consent and compared it to past attempts to undermine Benin heritage.
According to him, the former administration obtained international funding, including support from the German Government, in the name of building the Benin Royal Museum, but later changed the name and structure of the project.
“They brought a document for me to sign to give up our rights, but I refused because it would have compromised the legacy of my ancestors,” the Oba said.
He alleged that a “Legacy Restoration Trust” was created to take control of the Benin Bronzes and other ancestral artefacts, adding that he had earlier informed a German delegation about the issue.
The Oba also stated that the original palace land once extended to the area where the Government House now stands and described the artefacts as part of Benin’s ancient heritage.
He thanked the Netherlands Government for returning over 150 artefacts to Benin and called on the German Government to ensure fairness and transparency in the ongoing restitution process.
The monarch praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for looking into the MOWAA controversy and urged the visiting envoys to work with the state government to ensure justice and respect for the Benin people.
The European Union Ambassador, Mr. Gautier Mignot, said the visit was to strengthen cooperation and clarify issues surrounding MOWAA.
German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther, confirmed that Germany was involved in some aspects of the project but noted that the European Union had no direct investment in MOWAA.
She added that Germany’s collaboration with Nigeria includes the return of more than 1,200 Benin Bronzes, stressing that “MOWAA can only succeed in a peaceful and transparent environment.”
