Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that his administration will never permit any act that desecrates or undermines the Benin monarchy or its centuries-old traditions, promising to defend the cultural sovereignty of the Benin Kingdom at all costs.
The Governor made the statement on Wednesday while addressing hundreds of peaceful protesters including palace chiefs, civil society groups, youth organizations, and concerned citizens, who marched to the Government House, Benin City, demanding the immediate suspension of plans to inaugurate the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).
Governor Okpebholo, visibly moved by the show of solidarity, described the protesters’ concerns as legitimate and deeply patriotic, assuring them that his government shares their commitment to protecting Edo’s cultural identity and royal heritage.
“Our culture is our identity,” he declared. “We know where these artifacts were taken from. Now that they have been returned, they must be restored to their rightful place. His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, is the true custodian of our heritage, and nothing will be done to undermine that truth.”
He commended the demonstrators for their orderly and disciplined conduct, which he said reflected the dignity and respect for which the Benin Kingdom is globally renowned.
The Governor further disclosed that the Minister of Culture and Tourism had reached out to him and would visit Edo State for consultations.
“I will meet with His Royal Majesty to discuss this issue thoroughly,” Okpebholo assured. “Please be confident that nothing belonging to the people of Edo will be taken from them. I will resolve this matter in a way that honours our history and our Monarch.”
The demonstrators, under a broad coalition of Benin socio-cultural organizations, expressed outrage over the planned November 11, 2025 opening of MOWAA, calling it premature, disrespectful, and potentially illegal.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Comrade Osazee Amas-Edobor said the Edo State House of Assembly is still investigating the project’s legitimacy, ownership structure, and funding.
“If commissioned under these circumstances,” Amas-Edobor warned, “it would disrespect the State Government, the Edo State House of Assembly, and, most importantly, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II.”
He alleged that MOWAA was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum, a project meant to serve the Benin Palace, but was hijacked and altered through the controversial Legacy Restoration Trust initiative under the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki.
According to him, funds earmarked for the Royal Museum were diverted, while the Central Hospital, a critical public facility, was demolished to make way for MOWAA, sparking public outrage and unease among traditional and cultural stakeholders.
“Benin people do not insult elders,” he said. “Our protest is peaceful — to preserve our heritage and ensure that what belongs to the Oba is not misappropriated in any form.”
Amid their demands, the protesters praised Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, noting that within one year in office, he had restored public confidence and rekindled hope through developmental reforms and people-centred policies.
“Your Excellency, we commend your strides across all sectors,” Amas-Edobor said. “Edo people are beginning to enjoy the dividends of true democracy.”
In his closing remarks, Governor Okpebholo reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the Oba of Benin and vowed that his administration would handle the MOWAA controversy with fairness, firmness, and respect for tradition.
“Our heritage is sacred,” he said. “And as long as I remain Governor, it will be protected with honour, wisdom, and resolute leadership.”
