FIC Report (Edo State) – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Friday announced an end to the controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), declaring that the project would be restored to its original purpose as the Benin Royal Museum, conceived to celebrate and preserve the heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
The governor made the declaration during a historic visit to Government House, Benin City, on 7 November 2025, by the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II. The event, held at the New Festival Hall, drew a large audience of traditional rulers, political leaders, senior civil servants and members of the public.
Describing the occasion as a defining moment of unity between the state government and the Benin monarchy, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed that the bond between both institutions forms the foundation of Edo’s identity and pride.
“I wanted to make a speech, but the video we just watched, where former Governor Godwin Obaseki promised to build the Benin Royal Museum as a gift to Your Majesty, has already made it for me,” the governor said. “The issue of the Museum of West African Art is over. It was a birthday gift to Your Majesty, and it will be restored as such.”
Okpebholo said he would present the video evidence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the president, who is a personal friend of the Benin Palace, would not support any act that undermines the dignity of the Benin Kingdom.
He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the Benin Palace, the Federal Government and international partners to ensure the return of looted Benin artifacts and to establish the Benin Royal Museum as a global centre for cultural preservation and education.
“As we approach our first anniversary in office on November 12,” the governor added, “we do so with gratitude for Your Majesty’s guidance and blessings. This administration remains devoted to securing our communities, empowering our youth, and preserving our cultural heritage. Edo’s strength lies in her traditions, and we will uphold them.”
In his remarks, Oba Ewuare II lauded Governor Okpebholo, describing him as “Akpakomiza” — a divinely chosen leader whose emergence was destined to bring peace, prosperity and honour to Edo State.
The monarch recalled his thank-you tour of Esan land shortly after his coronation, saying that during the visit, a rare celestial occurrence — the appearance of the sun and moon together — signified that greatness would one day emerge from Esan land. “I prayed for a governor who would put food on the table of the people, develop the state, and respect traditional institutions,” the Oba said. “That prayer has now been answered through Akpakomiza.”
He commended the governor’s achievements within his first year in office, including the restoration of the Benin Traditional Council’s full statutory allocation, the return of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, and improvements in infrastructure, security and land administration.
On the MOWAA project, Oba Ewuare II clarified that it was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum — supported by international donors and intended to house repatriated artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin.
“The project was meant to be the Benin Royal Museum,” the Oba said. “I fully support my people who protested against the attempted opening of MOWAA. The House of Assembly should continue its investigation into its funding and ownership. The world recognizes it as the Benin Royal Museum, and it must remain so.”
The Oba also urged the governor to revisit plans for agricultural industrial hubs across Edo State to boost food production, create jobs, and stimulate local economies. He called on President Tinubu to fulfil his pledge to support the Benin Royal Museum project.
Friday’s royal visit — the third in recent history, following similar visits by the late Oba Erediauwa in 2012 under Governor Adams Oshiomhole and by Oba Ewuare II in 2017 during Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure — ended with prayers for peace, unity and progress in Edo State.
With the Oba’s visit and the governor’s pronouncement, the long-standing controversy over the MOWAA project appears finally resolved, marking a new phase of cultural restoration and harmony between the state government and the Benin Kingdom.
Signed:
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin city
7 November, 2025
