Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo state, has revoked the certificate of occupancy (C-of-O) previously granted to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).
The revocation comes after growing public discontent and
strong objections from Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, over the demolition of
the Central Hospital in Benin City to make way for the museum.
The decision was announced barely 24 hours after tensions
escalated at a preview exhibition at the museum on Sunday, where protesters
belting loyalty to the Benin Palace disrupted the event.
The gathering, which included foreign diplomats such as the
ambassadors of the European Union and Germany, was forced to shut down as
guests scurried out under heightened security.
In a revocation order dated October 21, 2025, Okpebholo said
the land allocated to MOWAA has been reclaimed by the state.
He cited overriding public interest and concerns over
transparency surrounding the project.
He stated that the land “known as Digital Plot No. 61977,
Zone HI/A12/Ogboka, Benin City, in Oredo Local Government Area, measures
approximately 6.210 hectares and was the site of the demolished Central
Hospital”, adding that it would be restored to its original public health use.
In a statement on Monday signed by Fred Itua, his aide, the
governor had said his administration had not been informed of the presence of
the foreign delegation visiting Edo for activities linked to MOWAA.
He described the development as another example of “lack of
transparency” that has trailed the museum project since inception.
“Honestly, I wasn’t aware that such a gathering was going to
take place; that’s the truth. The controversy surrounding MOWAA stems from the
lack of openness by the previous government,” the statement reads.
“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.”
He added that his administration had set up a committee to
investigate the project “and make appropriate recommendations”.
Meanwhile, the museum’s administration has denied
allegations that it has laid claim to any Benin Bronzes or sought to undermine
the authority of the Oba of Benin.
In a statement on Monday, the museum said it has never
presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum to obtain funding, urging
authorities to verify this with donors.
“MOWAA holds His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku
Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II (CFR), the Oba of Benin, in the highest esteem and
continues to uphold deep respect for the Benin Throne,” the statement reads.
Phillip Ihenacho, director of MOWAA, said he was saddened by
the protest but “hopes this moment can lead to renewed dialogue, engagement and
understanding, so that together we can realise the full potential of what MOWAA
can represent for Nigeria and Africa at large”.
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