The long-running controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has finally come to an end as Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, declared the project restored to its original vision, the Benin Royal Museum, conceived to honour the rich heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
Governor Okpebholo made the announcement during a historic visit by the revered Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, to the Government House in Benin City. The visit drew a distinguished gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, senior civil servants, and members of the public who filled the New Festival Hall to capacity.
Describing the event as a “defining moment of unity” between the state government and the revered Benin monarchy, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed that the partnership between both institutions remains the foundation of Edo’s pride and identity.
“The issue of MOWAA is over. It will be returned to its rightful status as the Benin Royal Museum,” Governor Okpebholo declared. He assured that he would present the matter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he described as a strong supporter of culture and a friend of the Benin Palace.
Ewuare II commended the governor for his stance, describing him as a divinely chosen leader destined to bring peace and prosperity to Edo State. The Monarch recalled his thank-you tour of Esan land shortly after his coronation, when he witnessed a rare celestial sign, the sun and moon appearing together, which he said symbolized that greatness would one day emerge from Esan land.
The Benin Royal Museum is expected to house repatriated artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin. Governor Okpebholo has constituted a six-man Special Committee, headed by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, to interface with international donors, partners, and trustees of MOWAA to ascertain its true legal and operational status
