Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially revoked the land title previously granted to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) by former Governor Godwin Obaseki, declaring that the property will return to its original purpose as the historic Benin Central Hospital.
The decision, announced in a statement dated October 21, 2025, and released in Benin City on November 10, 2025, follows growing controversy and public backlash surrounding the MOWAA project.
The revocation came just a day after a protest erupted at the museum’s preview exhibition, where demonstrators claiming loyalty to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, disrupted the event attended by European diplomats. Guests, including ambassadors from the EU and Germany, had to be evacuated under tight security.
Governor Okpebholo expressed shock that his administration was unaware of the envoys’ visit and criticized the previous government for what he described as a “gross lack of transparency” in handling the project.
He said the land revocation was made “in the overriding public interest,” invoking powers under Sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
The governor revealed that the land in question—approximately 6.2 hectares formerly housing the Benin Central Hospital—had been allocated to MOWAA in 2022 but would now be reclaimed for public health use.
Okpebholo emphasized that his administration was never briefed on MOWAA’s funding, ownership, or agreements, adding that even the Oba of Benin had raised serious concerns about how the project was managed.
During a courtesy visit to the Oba’s Palace with European diplomats, the governor reiterated his commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for cultural heritage.
Oba Ewuare II, in turn, condemned attempts to “mortgage the rights of the Benin people” over their ancestral artefacts, recalling the injustices of the 1897 British invasion.
Meanwhile, the management of MOWAA denied allegations that it used the name “Benin Royal Museum” for funding purposes or that it held any Benin Bronzes, stressing that its focus remains on West African art, education, and conservation.
They described Sunday’s event as a private preview for stakeholders—not an official opening—and expressed hope for renewed dialogue and understanding moving forward.
Governor Okpebholo has since set up a committee to review the project and make recommendations on the way forward.
