Immediate past governor of Edo State Godwin Obaseki may have lost out in the battle over ownership of the controversial Museum for West African Arts (MOWAA) hitherto known as Edo Museum for West African Arts (EMOWAA).
Initially designed as the Benin Royal Museum where repatriated Benin artefacts looted in 1897 during the infamous British invasion would be domiciled, Obaseki had said at inception in 2020, that the museum was being built in honour of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare 11, only to later redesignate it as “an independent, non-profit organization” dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the expansion of knowledge, and the celebration of West African arts and culture.
But receiving Oba Ewuare 11 at the Government House on Friday, Governor Okpebholo declared the controversy over, citing an old video in which Obaseki promised to build a Benin Royal Museum as a birthday gift to the Oba.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the governor consequently announced that the project would be restored to its original and rightful purpose; a cultural edifice envisioned to honour the heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
Oba Ewuare II also confirmed that the structure was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum; a vision, he said, was supported by foreign donors and intended to house the repatriated artefacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin.
The historic royal visit drew a distinguished audience of traditional rulers, political leaders, senior civil servants, and members of the public, filling the New Festival Hall to capacity.
Governor Okpebholo described the visit as a defining moment of unity between the state government and the Benin monarchy, noting that the relationship between both institutions remains the foundation of Edo’s identity and pride.
“Your Majesty,” the Governor said, “I wanted to make a speech, but the video we just watched, where former Governor Godwin Obaseki promised to build the Benin Royal Museum as a gift to you, has already made it for me. 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 continued: “I am glad that the Attorney-General, our political leaders, and other stakeholders are here to witness this. 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.”
Governor 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 pledged to facilitate the establishment of the Benin Royal Museum as a global centre for cultural preservation and historical education.
The Governor emphasised that the visit of the Oba symbolised the strength of collaboration between traditional and political institutions, reiterating his administration’s commitment to mutual respect, peace, and the protection of Edo’s ancestral values.
“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. This administration remains devoted to securing our communities, empowering our youth, and preserving our cultural heritage. Edo’s strength lies in her traditions, and we will uphold them.”
In his response, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, lauded Governor Okpebholo as “Akpakomiza”, a divinely chosen leader whose emergence was destined to bring peace, prosperity, and honour to Edo State.
The monarch recalled his thank-you tour of Esan land shortly after his coronation during which, he said, the sun and moon appeared together in the sky; a celestial sign 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,” the Oba said. “That prayer has now been answered through Akpakomiza.”
The royal father commended the governor for his impressive achievements in less than a year in office, including the restoration of the Benin Traditional Council’s full statutory allocation, the return of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, and notable improvements in infrastructure, security, and land administration.
On the MOWAA controversy, Oba Ewuare II clarified that the structure was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum; a vision supported by foreign donors and intended to house the repatriated artefacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin.
“The project was meant to be the Benin Royal Museum,” the Oba declared. “I fully support my people who protested 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.”
The monarch further urged Governor Okpebholo to revisit his proposed agricultural industrial hubs across Edo State to boost food production, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. He also called on President Tinubu to fulfil his promise of supporting the Benin Royal Museum project.
Friday’s royal visit, the third of its kind in recent history, following similar visits by the late Oba Erediauwa in 2012 under Governor Adams Oshiomhole and by Oba Ewuare II in 2017 during Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure, ended with prayers for peace, unity, and enduring progress in Edo State.
With the Oba’s visit and the governor’s firm pronouncement, the clouds of controversy that once shrouded the MOWAA project have finally lifted, marking a new dawn of cultural restoration and mutual respect between the government and the Benin Kingdom.
