Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Monday received two European ambassadors to Nigeria in a bid to address the ongoing dispute over the siting of a museum housing artifacts returned from Europe.
The envoys, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther, met with the governor following protests by indigenes of Benin over the decision to locate the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) outside the Oba of Benin’s palace.
Benin residents have insisted that the museum should have been established within the palace grounds, arguing that the artifacts were originally looted during the 1897 European invasion of the Benin Kingdom.
They contended that placing the museum outside the palace, as executed under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, disrespects both their ancestors, including Oba Ewuare II, and the customs and traditions of the kingdom.
Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office after Obaseki, told the visiting diplomats that his administration was neither informed nor involved in the MOWAA project.
He revealed that a committee has been set up to conduct a thorough investigation into the project and provide recommendations on its future.
Describing the project as marred by a “gross lack of transparency,” Okpebholo said, “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 MOWAA, without consultation with our revered traditional institution.”
The governor noted that neither the state government nor the Oba of Benin had been briefed on the project’s ownership structure or operational framework.
“I know nothing about its transactions or agreements,” he stated, emphasising that while his administration welcomes foreign partnerships, such collaborations must be transparent and must respect the traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
Okpebholo also criticised the demolition of part of the historic Central Hospital in Benin to accommodate the museum. “Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum?
”We are proud of our heritage, but development must be responsible and people-centred.
”Edo people are peace-loving but will not condone secrecy or actions that undermine our culture and institutions,” he said.
Following their meeting, the governor led the delegation to a courtesy visit at the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, reiterating concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding MOWAA.
He told reporters that the Oba had expressed his views on the matter, highlighting the need for dialogue and amicable solutions.
Speaking after the palace visit, Ambassador Mignot explained that the delegation’s mission was both to pay homage to the Oba and to strengthen cooperation with Edo State.
“We have just paid a courtesy call to His Royal Majesty to present our greetings and explain the reason for our visit, which is to deepen our partnership with the state.
”We also discussed the MOWAA project and the unfortunate incident that occurred; we exchanged views in the spirit of dialogue,” he said.
