Gôvernor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has constituted a committee on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), with Sen Adams Oshiomhole as Chairman.
This is contained in a statement by Musa Ikhilor, the Secretary to the State Government on Friday in Benin.
Ikhilor quoted the governor as urging the committee to ascertain the true legal and operational status of MOWAA.
The governor tasked the committee to clarify the position, rights, and stakes of the Benin Royal Palace and Traditional Institution in the museum project and make appropriate recommendations to the state government for further action.
Indigenes of Benin are protesting the constitution of MOWAA to build a museum that will house the recently returned artifacts from Europe by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki.
They argued that the artifacts should have been returned to the Oba’s palace, where they were stolen instead building a new museum for the artifact.
They said that building a new museum was an insult to their ancestors who owned the artifacts, adding that if a new museum must be built, it should be within the palace.
Okpbeholo said that the state government had noted the series of protests and petitions from members of the public, including eminent individuals from the Benin Royal Palace and Traditional Council concerning the project.
“This committee is a response, and in recognition of the Benin Royal Palace as the true and lawful custodian of the cultural heritage and artifacts of the Benin Kingdom,” the governor said.
The governor reiterated his commitment to protect the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom while ensuring transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in all partnerships and heritage-related initiative.
Other members of the committee are Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd.) as Vice Chairman, former Edo deputy governor Lucky Imasuen as a member, and former SSG Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as a member,
The Edo Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru (SAN), is also a member while Ms Iryn Omorogiuwa is Secretary.
The Committee is expected to commence work immediately and submit its findings and recommendations within the shortest possible time.
