Okpebholo declares end to MOWAA controversy, vows to restore Benin Royal Museum

Benin, Edo – The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has officially put an end to the protracted dispute over the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), announcing that the project will be reverted to its original intent: a Benin Royal Museum dedicated to honoring the rich heritage of the Benin Kingdom.

The declaration came during a historic courtesy visit by the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, to the Government House in Benin City on Friday.

The event, held in the packed New Festival Hall, was attended by traditional rulers, political figures, senior civil servants, and members of the public, underscoring a moment of profound unity between the state government and the Benin Monarchy.

Governor Okpebholo hailed the visit as a cornerstone of Edo's identity, emphasizing the enduring partnership between the government and the palace.

Referencing a video of former Governor Godwin Obaseki's promise to build the museum as a birthday gift to the Oba, Okpebholo stated: "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 assured the gathering, which included the state's Attorney-General and other stakeholders, that he would present the matter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the President's respect for Nigerian culture and his close ties to the Benin Palace.

Okpebholo pledged full collaboration with the palace, federal authorities, and international partners to repatriate looted Benin artifacts and establish the museum as a world-class center for cultural preservation.

"As we near our first anniversary on November 12, this administration is committed to security, youth empowerment, and safeguarding our traditions," the Governor added.

In response, Oba Ewuare II bestowed the title "Akpakomiza" on Governor Okpebholo, describing him as a divinely ordained leader destined to bring peace and prosperity to Edo State.

The monarch recounted a prophetic sign during his post-coronation tour of Esan land and praised Okpebholo's early achievements, including restoring the Benin Traditional Council's allocations, returning the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, and advancing infrastructure and security.

Affirming the project's true purpose, the Oba stated: "The project was meant to be the Benin Royal Museum. I fully support my people who protested against the attempted opening of MOWAA."

He called for the Edo State House of Assembly to probe the funding and ownership of MOWAA, insisting it be recognized globally as the Benin Royal Museum. The monarch also urged the Governor to prioritize agricultural industrial hubs and appealed to President Tinubu to honor commitments to the project.

This marks the third such royal visit in recent history, following those in 2012 under Governor Adams Oshiomhole and in 2017 during Godwin Obaseki's administration.

The event concluded with prayers for unity and progress, signaling a cleared path for cultural restoration and strengthened ties between Edo's traditional and political leadership.

The resolution lifts years of tension surrounding the MOWAA project, which had sparked protests over fears it diluted the Benin Kingdom's ownership of repatriated artifacts from the 1897 British invasion.

With this pronouncement, Edo State embarks on a renewed era of heritage preservation and governmental-monarchical harmony.