The Oba of Benin and the new Governor of Edo State have jointly accused the immediate past governor, Godwin Obaseki, of attempting to “mortgage” the rights of the Benin people to their ancestral artefacts.
The allegation emerged during a high-profile visit by European Union ambassadors to the Benin Palace, where the current governor, Monday Okpebholo, revealed he had been entirely unaware of the diplomats’ presence in the state.
Governor Okpebholo expressed his shock upon learning of the foreign delegation’s activities related to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). He received the diplomats, including the EU and German ambassadors, at the Government House in Benin City on Monday before leading them to a courtesy visit with the Oba.
Speaking within the palace, the governor condemned the “lack of transparency” that has characterised the MOWAA project. “We are here with the European and German Ambassadors, and their colleagues from the Netherlands and Belgium, to see His Royal Majesty.
“They have spoken about areas of collaboration and also about what happened yesterday. Honestly, I wasn’t aware that such a gathering was going to take place; that’s the truth”, the governor stated.
He further disclosed that his administration has constituted a committee to thoroughly investigate the MOWAA initiative. “The committee will look into the matter comprehensively and make appropriate recommendations,” he stated.
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, provided a stark historical parallel, suggesting the previous state government’s actions mirrored the injustice of the 1897 British invasion of the kingdom.
The Monarch said: “It is like history wanting to repeat itself. My forefathers suffered during the British invasion of 1897, and it is not fair that this is happening again. The documents they brought for me to sign would have taken away our rights to these artefacts, and I refused.”
This statement from the throne offers the clearest insight yet into the nature of the dispute, suggesting that formal agreements were presented that would have transferred control of the priceless Benin Bronzes and other cultural properties.
Echoing the Oba’s grave concerns, Governor Okpebholo detailed the project’s opaque history. He faulted the “gross lack of transparency” by the previous administration, noting the project’s evolving name and unclear structure. “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 the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), without clarity or consultation with our revered traditional institution,” the governor said.
He confirmed that his administration was left with no handover documents concerning the project. “The previous administration never briefed me about MOWAA nor handed over any documentation concerning the project. I know nothing about its transactions or agreements,” he revealed.
While reaffirming his government’s openness to international partnerships, Governor Okpebholo emphasised that transparency and respect for the Benin Kingdom are non-negotiable. “We welcome foreign collaborations, but everything must be transparent and must honour our traditions,” he said.
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, clarified that the EU as an institution is not a direct investor in MOWAA, though some member states are partners. He described the meeting with the Oba as an opportunity to “exchange views in a spirit of dialogue and partnership.”
German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to cultural cooperation with Edo State, including the return of over 1,200 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. She stressed that the “wonderful place for celebrating heritage can only flourish in a peaceful and transparent environment.”
Governor Okpebholo concluded by assuring that his government would act with fairness. “Edo belongs to us all; its culture, history, and heritage must be protected, not politicized,” he said. “We are open to genuine collaboration, but it must be done in the light of transparency and respect for our traditional institutions.”
Discussion about this post