Okpebholo Cracks Down, Says “No Hiding Place for MOWAA Fraudsters”

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a firm declaration that his administration will prosecute anyone found culpable in the unfolding controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). The governor emphasized that while the state remains open to genuine investors, it will not shield individuals involved in what he described as questionable dealings.

Governor Okpebholo made the remarks on Friday when he received the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, at the Government House in Benin City.

The governor expressed displeasure over what he termed a deliberate attempt to keep his administration in the dark regarding key developments on the MOWAA project, including recent changes to registration documents allegedly made just six days before his swearing-in.

“I didn’t want to speak on this again, but the time has come,” he said. “There will be criminal prosecution at the end of the day. We are not fighting investors; we are fighting criminality. There will be no hiding place for anyone who tries to defraud Edo people.”

He added that foreign delegates invited for an alleged commissioning ceremony on Sunday arrived in the state without any official notification to his administration, a development he described as further proof of the lack of transparency surrounding the project.

Responding, Minister Musawa praised Edo State’s rich cultural heritage and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to resolving the MOWAA dispute. She described the situation as “an original sin” that must be corrected to uphold the dignity of Nigeria’s traditional institutions and protect the country’s global cultural reputation.

“Your Excellency, we want a balanced solution,” the minister said. “One that respects history, protects traditional institutions, and reinforces Nigeria’s credibility. The federal government will work with you and support all genuine efforts to restore order.”

The meeting was witnessed by top government officials, including Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, Esq.; Chief of Staff, Mallam Gani Audu; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, SAN; and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua.

Governor Okpebholo assured that his administration remains committed to due process and will collaborate with the federal government, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure a transparent and credible resolution of the MOWAA dispute.