FIC Report (Edo State) – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed surprise over the recent visit of European diplomats to the state for activities connected to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), saying his administration was not informed about the event. The governor made this known on Monday 10 November 2025, when he received the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, the German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther, and other envoys at the Government House, Benin City, before leading them on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
Speaking at the Palace, Governor Okpebholo described the unannounced visit as another example of the “lack of transparency” that has surrounded the MOWAA project since inception. He said he was unaware of the foreign delegation’s visit, adding that he had since discussed the matter with the Oba of Benin to get full clarity. He disclosed that his administration had set up a committee to investigate the project and make recommendations on the way forward.
The governor accused the immediate-past administration of handling the MOWAA project without openness or consultation with the Benin Royal Palace. He expressed concern over how the initiative had changed names several times—from the Benin Royal Museum to the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), and later to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)—without any clear documentation or briefing to his administration.
Okpebholo further stated that his government had not received any handover notes or records concerning MOWAA’s financial arrangements, ownership structure, or agreements, insisting that transparency and respect for the Benin Kingdom must guide all partnerships. “We welcome foreign collaborations, but everything must be transparent and must honour our traditions,” he said.
He also condemned the demolition of the historic Central Hospital in Benin City to pave the way for the museum, describing it as a misplaced priority. “Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum? We are proud of our heritage, but development must be responsible and people-centred,” the governor said, emphasizing that his administration would uphold accountability and due process in all matters.
In his remarks, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the visit was to pay homage to the Oba of Benin and strengthen cooperation with Edo State. He clarified that while the European Union had no direct investment in MOWAA, some EU member states, including Germany, were partners in the project. “We discussed the MOWAA project and the unfortunate incidents that occurred. We exchanged views in a spirit of dialogue and partnership,” he said.
German Ambassador Dr. Annett Günther commended Governor Okpebholo and the Oba for their hospitality, reaffirming Germany’s partnership with Edo State in youth empowerment, migration management, and cultural preservation. She noted that peace and transparency were vital for the sustainability of the MOWAA initiative, saying, “This wonderful place for celebrating heritage can only flourish in a peaceful and transparent environment.”
At the Palace, Oba Ewuare II condemned the handling of the MOWAA project by the previous administration, accusing former Governor Godwin Obaseki of attempting to “mortgage” the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artifacts. Okpebholo assured the monarch and the people of Edo that his government would act with fairness and openness, saying, “Edo belongs to us all; its culture, history, and heritage must be protected, not politicized.”
Signed:
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin city
10 November, 2025
