MOWAA: My Refusal to Mortgage Artefacts Made Obaseki, Allies Gang Up Against the Palace

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has accused business associates of former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, of conspiring against the Benin Palace following his refusal to relinquish ownership rights of the repatriated Benin artefacts.

Speaking while receiving a delegation of European diplomats, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, the German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther, and representatives of the Netherlands, at his Palace in Benin City on Monday, the Oba said the fallout stemmed from his decision not to sign a document that would have transferred control of the artefacts to a group known as the Legacy Restoration Trust.

According to the monarch, the refusal strained his relationship with former Governor Obaseki, leading the governor’s business partners to allegedly cut off ties with the Palace and begin raising funds in the Palace’s name for the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) project—later renamed MOWAA.

Oba Ewuare II said the dispute intensified following the Federal Government Gazette No. 57, Volume 110, issued on March 23, 2023, which officially recognized the Oba of Benin as the custodian and manager of all Benin artefacts, including the famous 1897 Benin Bronzes looted during the British expedition.

The Oba alleged that former Governor Obaseki sourced donations from the German Government and other international partners under the pretext of funding the Benin Royal Museum, only to redirect them toward MOWAA.

“It’s clear that former Governor Obaseki collected monies from international donors, particularly Germany, meant for the Benin Royal Museum and diverted them to MOWAA,” the Oba said.
“They brought a document for me to sign, asking me to mortgage our ancestral rights to a trust they created, but I refused. That was what made them angry with the Palace.”

The monarch appealed to the visiting diplomats to support investigations into the alleged irregularities surrounding MOWAA and ensure transparency and justice in the matter.

“We ask that you research the true story behind this conflict so that no one commits a fallacy,” the Oba urged.

Earlier, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the delegation’s visit was to pay homage to the Oba and strengthen diplomatic ties with Edo State.

“We came to deepen our partnership with Edo State and exchange views on the MOWAA project in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation,” Mignot stated, noting that while the EU as an institution has no direct investment in MOWAA, some member states, including Germany, are partners in the initiative.

In her remarks, German Ambassador Dr. Annett Günther highlighted Germany’s collaboration with Edo State in areas of migration management, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.

“Our partnership includes support for cultural heritage, including the return of over 1,200 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria,” she said.