Okpebholo Condemns Lack of Transparency in MOWAA Project

Benin City, Edo State — Governor Monday Okpebholo has criticized the handling of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project, citing a lack of transparency and consultation with the Benin Kingdom.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of European diplomats, including the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador, Annett Günther, at the Government House, Okpebholo expressed concern over the project’s evolution.

“The controversy surrounding MOWAA stems from the lack of openness by the previous government,” he said. “It is curious how the project evolved from the Benin Royal Museum to the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), and now to MOWAA, without clarity or consultation with our revered traditional institution.”

Okpebholo noted that the state government was never briefed on the project’s financials, ownership structure, or operational details, adding that even the Oba of Benin had expressed concern over its handling.

“The previous administration never briefed me about MOWAA nor handed over any documentation concerning the project. I know nothing about its transactions or agreements,” he added.

Respect for Tradition

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency and respect for the Benin Kingdom, the governor emphasized:

“We welcome foreign collaborations, but everything must be transparent and must honour our traditions. Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum? Development must be responsible and people-centred.”

He assured that MOWAA would be restored to its original purpose — a cultural edifice honouring the heritage of the Benin Kingdom.

Okpebholo also led the diplomats on a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, highlighting the lack of prior communication regarding MOWAA-related activities.

The monarch voiced his displeasure, stating: “It is like history wanting to repeat itself. 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 to these artifacts, and I refused.”