Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed surprise and concern over the recent visit of European diplomats to Benin City for activities linked to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), stating that his administration was not informed about the visit.
Governor Okpebholo made this disclosure on Monday while receiving a high-level European delegation, including EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther at the Government House, Benin City.
He later accompanied the envoys to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, where discussions centered on cultural collaboration and the ongoing controversy surrounding MOWAA.
Speaking at the palace, Governor Okpebholo decried the “lack of transparency” that has clouded the MOWAA project from its inception.
“Honestly, I wasn’t aware that such a gathering was going to take place,” he stated. “We have now heard from His Royal Majesty and will get to the bottom of this matter.”
The Governor revealed that his administration has set up a committee to investigate MOWAA and make recommendations to the government, emphasizing that the project had been handled without proper consultation or disclosure.
“The controversy surrounding MOWAA stems from the lack of openness by the previous government. It is curious how the project evolved from the Benin Royal Museum to the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), and now to MOWAA, without clarity or consultation with our revered traditional institution,” he said.
Okpebholo lamented that he inherited no documentation, financial records, or formal briefing on the project from the previous administration, led by former Governor Godwin Obaseki, describing the situation as “deeply troubling.”
The Governor also condemned the demolition of the historic Central Hospital in Benin City to make way for MOWAA, questioning the rationale behind replacing a critical health facility with a cultural project.
“Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum?” he asked. “We are proud of our heritage, but development must be responsible and people-centred.”
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed that while his administration welcomes international partnerships, transparency, accountability, and respect for Benin traditions remain non-negotiable.
“Edo people are peace-loving and welcoming, but we will not condone secrecy or any act that undermines our culture and institutions,” he declared.
During the visit, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot clarified that while the European Union has no direct financial investment in MOWAA, some EU member states, including Germany, have supported aspects of the initiative.
“We exchanged views in a spirit of dialogue and partnership,” Mignot said. “Our aim is to strengthen cooperation with Edo State and ensure peace and transparency in all engagements.”
German Ambassador Dr. Annett Günther commended the Edo State Government and the Benin Palace for their hospitality, reaffirming Germany’s longstanding collaboration with the state in migration management, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.
“Germany has returned over 1,200 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria,” she noted. “Cultural heritage can only flourish in a peaceful and transparent environment.”
At the Oba’s Palace, Oba Ewuare II expressed dismay over the manner in which the MOWAA project was executed, accusing the former governor of attempting to “mortgage the rights of the Benin people” over their ancestral artefacts.
“My forefathers suffered during the British invasion of 1897, and it is not fair that this is happening again,” the Oba said. “The documents they brought for me to sign would have taken away our rights, and I refused.”
Governor Okpebholo assured the monarch and the people of Edo State that his administration would act with fairness, transparency, and respect for traditional authority.
“Edo belongs to us all. Its culture, history, and heritage must be protected, not politicized,” he concluded.
