Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared an end to the lingering controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), affirming that the project will be returned to its original purpose — the Benin Royal Museum, conceived to honour the rich heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
Governor Okpebholo made the announcement on Friday during the official visit of the revered Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, to the Government House in Benin City.
The royal visit, which drew traditional rulers, political leaders, senior government officials, and members of the public, filled the New Festival Hall to capacity, marking what the governor described as a “defining moment of unity” between the state government and the Benin Monarchy.
“Your Majesty, the issue of the Museum of West African Art is over,” Governor Okpebholo declared. “It was originally meant to be a birthday gift to you, and it will be restored as such.”
He further stated that he would present a video of former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s earlier commitment to build the museum as a gift to the monarch before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the President — a long-time friend of the Benin Palace — would support the decision to uphold the dignity of the kingdom.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with the Palace, the Federal Government, and international partners to ensure the repatriation of looted Benin artifacts and the establishment of the Benin Royal Museum as a world-class centre for culture and history.
“As we approach our first anniversary in office, we remain grateful for Your Majesty’s blessings and guidance,” he said. “Edo’s strength lies in her traditions, and we will continue to preserve and promote them.”
In his remarks, Oba Ewuare II praised the governor, referring to him as “Akpakomiza” — a divinely chosen leader destined to bring peace and prosperity to Edo State.
The Oba recalled a divine sign that appeared shortly after his coronation during a tour of Esan land, noting that his prayers for a governor who would uplift the people and respect traditional institutions had been answered through Okpebholo.
The monarch commended the governor’s achievements within his first year in office — including restoring the Benin Traditional Council’s full allocation, returning the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, and advancing infrastructure, security, and land reforms.
On the MOWAA issue, the Oba clarified that the project was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum, meant to house artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion.
“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.”
He also urged the governor to revisit his plans for agricultural industrial hubs to strengthen food security and local economies, while calling on President Tinubu to honour his pledge to support the museum project.
Friday’s royal visit — the third of its kind in recent years, following those in 2012 under Governor Adams Oshiomhole and in 2017 under Governor Godwin Obaseki — concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and lasting progress in Edo State.
With the Oba’s visit and Governor Okpebholo’s pronouncement, the long-standing MOWAA controversy appears finally settled, ushering in a new era of cultural restoration, mutual respect, and strengthened partnership between the Edo State Government and the Benin Kingdom.
