MOWAA CONTROVERSY LAID TO REST — OKPEBHOLO As Oba of Benin Visits Edo Government House

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the resolution of the long-standing controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), declaring that the project will return to its original purpose — a cultural monument conceived to celebrate the rich heritage of the Benin Kingdom.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, and made available to journalists.

Governor Okpebholo made the pronouncement on Friday when he received the revered Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, at the Government House in Benin City.

The historic visit drew a distinguished audience of traditional rulers, political figures, senior civil servants, and citizens who filled the New Festival Hall to capacity.

Describing the visit as a “defining moment of unity” between the State Government and the Benin Monarchy, Governor Okpebholo noted that the relationship between both institutions forms the bedrock of Edo’s cultural identity and pride.

“Your Majesty,” the Governor said, “I wanted to make a speech, but the video we just watched — where former Governor Godwin Obaseki promised to build the Benin Royal Museum as a gift to you — has already said it all. The issue of the Museum of West African Art is over. It was a birthday gift to Your Majesty, and it will be restored as such.”

He continued, “I am pleased that the Attorney-General, our political leaders, and other stakeholders are here to witness this. I will present this video to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who holds great respect for our culture and is a friend of the Palace. I am confident that Mr. President will not support any action that undermines the dignity of the Benin Kingdom.”

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the Benin Palace, the Federal Government, and international partners to ensure the return of all looted Benin artifacts to their rightful home. He pledged to support the establishment of the Benin Royal Museum as a world-class centre for cultural preservation and education.

Okpebholo further emphasized that the Oba’s visit symbolized the enduring collaboration between traditional and political institutions, restating his administration’s dedication to peace, respect, and the protection of Edo’s ancestral values.

“As we approach our first anniversary in office on November 12,” he said, “we do so with gratitude for Your Majesty’s guidance and blessings. This administration remains steadfast in securing our communities, empowering our youth, and safeguarding our cultural heritage. Edo’s strength lies in her traditions, and we will uphold them.”

In his remarks, the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, praised Governor Okpebholo as “Akpakomiza” — a divinely chosen leader destined to bring peace, prosperity, and honour to Edo State.

The Monarch recounted his thank-you tour of Esan land after his coronation, noting that he had prayed for a governor who would serve the people, develop the state, and respect traditional institutions. “That prayer,” the Oba said, “has now been answered through Akpakomiza.”

He commended the governor for his notable achievements in less than a year in office, including the restoration of the Benin Traditional Council’s full statutory allocation, the return of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, and improvements in infrastructure, security, and land administration.

Addressing the MOWAA issue, Oba Ewuare II clarified that the structure was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum, supported by foreign donors and intended to house the repatriated artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin.

“The project was meant to be the Benin Royal Museum,” the Oba stated. “I support my people who protested against the attempted opening of MOWAA. The House of Assembly should continue its investigation into its funding and ownership. The world knows it as the Benin Royal Museum, and it must remain so.”

The Monarch also urged Governor Okpebholo to revisit his plan for agricultural industrial hubs across Edo State to boost food production, create employment, and strengthen local economies. He called on President Tinubu to fulfil his promise to support the Benin Royal Museum project.

Friday’s royal visit — the third of its kind in recent history, following visits by the late Oba Erediauwa in 2012 and by Oba Ewuare II in 2017 — concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and continued progress in Edo State.

With the Oba’s visit and the governor’s decisive declaration, the long-standing controversy over the MOWAA project has finally been resolved, ushering in a new era of cultural restoration and mutual respect between the Edo State Government and the Benin Kingdom.