- Oba of Benin visits government house
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared an end to the long-standing controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), affirming that the project will be restored to its original purpose as the Benin Royal Museum — a cultural monument dedicated to celebrating the heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
Governor Okpebholo made the announcement on Friday while receiving the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, at the Government House in Benin City. The historic visit drew a large audience of traditional rulers, political leaders, and members of the public, filling the New Festival Hall to capacity.
Describing the visit as a “defining moment of unity” between the State Government and the Benin Monarchy, Okpebholo said the MOWAA controversy had finally been resolved. “Your Majesty, the issue of the Museum of West African Art is over. It was a birthday gift to you, and it will be restored as such,” he said.
The governor commended the role of the Attorney-General, political leaders, and stakeholders in resolving the dispute, pledging to present a video record of former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s earlier promise on the museum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “Mr. President, who has immense respect for culture and friendship with the Palace, will not support any act that undermines the dignity of the Benin Kingdom,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to work with the Benin Palace, the Federal Government, and international partners to facilitate the return of looted Benin artifacts and establish the Benin Royal Museum as a global hub for cultural preservation and education.
“As we approach our first anniversary in office, this administration remains devoted to securing our communities, empowering youth, and preserving our cultural heritage,” the governor added. “Edo’s strength lies in her traditions, and we will uphold them.”
Responding, Oba Ewuare II praised Governor Okpebholo, describing him as “Akpakomiza,” a divinely chosen leader destined to bring peace and prosperity to Edo State. The monarch recalled a celestial sign during his post-coronation tour of Esanland, which he said foretold the emergence of greatness from the region.
“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,” the Oba said.
The monarch also commended the governor’s achievements within his first year in office, including restoring the Benin Traditional Council’s statutory allocation, reclaiming the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, and improving infrastructure, security, and land administration.
Clarifying the origins of MOWAA, Oba Ewuare II emphasized that the project was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum to house repatriated artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion. “The world recognizes it as the Benin Royal Museum, and it must remain so,” he declared, urging continued legislative inquiry into the project’s funding and ownership.
He further called on Governor Okpebholo to pursue his plans for agricultural industrial hubs to boost food production and job creation, and appealed to President Tinubu to fulfill his pledge of supporting the museum project.
The royal visit — the third in recent history after similar ones in 2012 and 2017 — concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and continued progress in Edo State. With the governor’s pronouncement and the Oba’s endorsement, the longstanding MOWAA dispute has been laid to rest, marking a new chapter of cultural restoration and mutual respect between the Edo State Government and the Benin Kingdom.
