By Godson Aifamokhai|ABNews|November 10, 2025
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed surprise over the recent visit of a delegation of European diplomats to the state for activities connected with the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), saying his administration was not informed beforehand.
Governor Okpebholo made this known on Monday while receiving the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, the German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther, and other diplomats from the Netherlands and Belgium at the Government House in Benin City.
The governor later led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
Speaking at the palace, Okpebholo described the development as “another example of the lack of transparency that has characterized the MOWAA project from inception.”
“We are here with the European and German Ambassadors and their colleagues from the Netherlands and Belgium to see His Royal Majesty,” the governor said. “They spoke about areas of collaboration and what happened yesterday. Honestly, I wasn’t aware such a gathering was going to take place. That’s the truth. However, we have spoken with the Oba and gotten his side of the story.”
The governor disclosed that his administration had already set up a committee to investigate the MOWAA project and make recommendations. “The committee will look into the matter comprehensively and advise us appropriately,” he said.
Earlier, while addressing the diplomats at Government House, Okpebholo faulted what he called the “gross lack of transparency” in how the immediate past administration handled the MOWAA project.
“The controversy around MOWAA is rooted in a lack of openness. It is curious how the project changed names—from the Benin Royal Museum to the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), and now to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)—without proper consultation with our revered traditional institution,” he said.
He further noted that the state government was not briefed on the project’s ownership structure, finances, or operations, adding that even the Oba of Benin had raised concerns.
“The previous administration never briefed me about MOWAA nor handed over any documentation. I know nothing about its transactions or agreements,” he stressed.
Governor Okpebholo, however, reaffirmed his readiness to welcome international partnerships—on the condition of transparency and respect for Benin traditions.
“We welcome foreign collaborations, but everything must be transparent and must honour our traditions,” he said.
He also criticized the demolition of the historic Central Hospital in Benin City to make way for MOWAA, saying: “Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum? We are proud of our heritage, but development must be people-centred and responsible.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability, he added: “Edo people are peace-loving, but we will not condone secrecy or any act that undermines our culture and institutions.”
Responding after the visit to the Oba’s palace, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the delegation’s mission was to pay homage to the monarch and strengthen cooperation with Edo State.
“We came to present our greetings and explain the reason for our visit, which is to deepen our partnership with Edo State,” Mignot said. “We also discussed the MOWAA project and recent incidents in a spirit of dialogue and partnership. That’s how we intend to move forward.”
He clarified that while the European Union does not have a direct investment in MOWAA, some member states, including Germany, are partners in the initiative.
German Ambassador Dr. Annett Günther praised Governor Okpebholo and the Oba of Benin for their hospitality and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Edo State, particularly in youth empowerment, migration management, and cultural heritage.
“I am honoured to visit Edo and to pay my respects to His Royal Majesty and His Excellency,” she said. “Our cooperation includes the return of over 1,200 Benin Bronzes and support for local IT and development projects.”
Dr. Günther emphasized that peace and transparency were vital to sustaining MOWAA’s mission. “This place of heritage can only flourish in a peaceful and transparent environment,” she noted. “We regret the recent incidents but look forward to a stable and cooperative future.”
At the palace, Oba Ewuare II lamented how the project was handled, accusing former Governor Godwin Obaseki of attempting to “mortgage” the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artifacts.
“It is like history repeating itself,” the Oba said. “My forefathers suffered during the British invasion of 1897, and it is not fair that this is happening again. The documents they brought for me to sign would have taken away our rights, and I refused.”
Governor Okpebholo assured that his administration would address the controversy with fairness and respect.
“Edo belongs to all of us. Our culture and heritage must be protected, not politicized,” he said. “We are open to genuine collaboration, but it must be done transparently and with respect for our traditional institutions.”
Monday, November 10, 2025
