Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced an end to the long-standing controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), declaring that the project will be restored to its original and rightful purpose as the Benin Royal Museum.
The governor made the declaration on Friday when he received the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on a historic visit to the Government House, Benin City. The visit attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, senior civil servants, and members of the public who filled the New Festival Hall to capacity.
Describing the occasion as a “defining moment of unity” between the State Government and the Benin Monarchy, Governor Okpebholo said the bond between both institutions remains the bedrock of Edo’s identity and heritage.
“Your Majesty,” he said, “the video we just watched, where former Governor Godwin Obaseki promised to build the Benin Royal Museum as a birthday gift to you, has already made my speech for me. The issue of MOWAA is over. It will be restored as a gift to you and the Benin Kingdom.”
Okpebholo pledged to present the video evidence to President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a friend of the Benin Palace and a firm supporter of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. He expressed confidence that the President would support the rightful restoration of the museum and the return of all looted Benin artifacts.
Reaffirming his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the Benin Palace, the Federal Government, and international partners, the governor vowed to make the Benin Royal Museum a global hub for cultural preservation and historical education.
“As we approach our first anniversary in office on November 12,” he noted, “we do so with gratitude for Your Majesty’s guidance and blessings. We will continue to protect our heritage, secure our communities, and empower our youth. Edo’s strength lies in her traditions, and we will uphold them.”
In his response, Oba Ewuare II described Governor Okpebholo as “Akpakomiza,” a divinely chosen leader destined to restore peace and honour to Edo. The monarch recalled a celestial sign witnessed during his thank-you tour of Esan land years ago—when the sun and moon appeared together—saying it foreshadowed the rise of a great leader from the region.
He commended Okpebholo’s achievements within his first year in office, including the restoration of the Benin Traditional Council’s full statutory allocation, the return of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, and improvements in infrastructure and security.
Addressing the MOWAA controversy, the Oba clarified that the project was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum, backed by foreign donors to house the repatriated artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion.
“The world recognizes it as the Benin Royal Museum, and it must remain so,” the Oba declared, backing continued investigation by the State House of Assembly into the project’s funding and ownership.
