Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo,
has officially declared an end to the controversy surrounding the Museum of
West African Art (MOWAA), announcing that the project will be restored to
its original purpose — a cultural edifice honouring the heritage of the Benin
Kingdom.
The governor made the declaration on Friday during the
visit of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to the Government House in
Benin City. The meeting, held in the New Festival Hall, drew traditional
rulers, political leaders, senior civil servants, and members of the public.
“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,”
Okpebholo said, referencing a video clip of former Governor Godwin Obaseki
promising to build the Benin Royal Museum for the monarch.
Governor’s Commitment to Cultural
Restoration
Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to
work with the Benin Palace, the Federal Government, and international partners
to ensure the return of all looted Benin artefacts to their rightful
home.
He also pledged to establish the Benin Royal Museum
as a global hub for cultural preservation and historical education, in line
with the original vision.
“I will take this video to President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu, who has immense respect for culture and is a personal friend of the
Palace. I am confident that Mr. President will not support any act that
undermines the dignity of the Benin Kingdom,” the governor said.
He added that the visit symbolised unity and mutual
respect between the state government and the Benin monarchy — institutions he
described as “the foundation of Edo’s identity and pride.”
As his administration approaches its first anniversary
on November 12, the governor reaffirmed commitments to security, youth
empowerment, and cultural preservation.
“Edo’s strength lies in her traditions, and we will
uphold them,” he said.
Oba Ewuare II: “The Clouds Have Lifted”
In his response, Oba Ewuare II lauded Governor
Okpebholo as “Akpakomiza” — a divinely chosen leader destined to bring
peace and honour to Edo State.
The monarch recalled a celestial event he witnessed
during his thank-you tour of Esan land after his coronation, saying it
signified that “greatness would one day arise from Esan land.”
“I prayed for a governor who would put food on the
table of the people, develop the state, and respect traditional institutions.
That prayer has now been answered through Akpakomiza,” he said.
The Oba commended the governor’s achievements in less
than a year, including:
Oba Clarifies MOWAA’s True Purpose
Addressing the MOWAA controversy, the Oba reaffirmed
that the project was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum,
supported by foreign donors and intended to house artefacts looted during the 1897
British invasion of Benin.
“The project was meant to be the Benin Royal Museum,”
he said.
“I fully 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 recognises it as the Benin Royal Museum, and it must
remain so.”
He also urged Governor Okpebholo to revisit
proposed agricultural industrial hubs across Edo State to boost food
production, create jobs, and strengthen local economies — while calling on
President Tinubu to fulfil his promise of supporting the museum project.
A New Dawn of Cultural Unity
Friday’s royal visit — the third in recent history,
following similar visits by Oba Erediauwa in 2012 (under Governor Adams
Oshiomhole) and Oba Ewuare II in 2017 (under Governor Godwin Obaseki) —
ended with prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity in Edo State.
With the Oba’s endorsement and the governor’s decisive
pronouncement, the controversy over MOWAA appears settled, marking what
observers describe as “a new dawn of cultural restoration and mutual respect
between the Edo State Government and the Benin Kingdom.”
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