The foremost Benin socio-cultural organization, Ogbakha-Edo, has called for the indefinite suspension of plans to open the controversial Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, citing unresolved issues of ownership, funding, and legitimacy surrounding the project.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Professor Sam Guobadia, Chairman, and Dr. Andrew Izekor, General Secretary, Ogbakha-Edo expressed concern that despite “contentious and unresolved” questions regarding the museum’s control and sources of funding, preparations were underway to commission the facility.
The group said the project, originally registered as the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), was conceived under the patronage of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, but has since become a source of controversy due to alleged lack of transparency and disregard for the authority of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
Controversy Over Ownership and Intent
According to Ogbakha-Edo, MOWAA was presented to the public as a state-backed cultural initiative but was in reality a privately-driven project designed to “supersede and sideline” the Benin Royal Museum, which was conceived by the Oba of Benin for the preservation and exhibition of repatriated Benin artefacts.
The group recalled that before the emergence of MOWAA, Governor Obaseki had publicly pledged to support the Palace’s plan to establish the Benin Royal Museum, meant to house the famous Benin Bronzes being returned from European museums and private collections.
However, the organization alleged that Obaseki later diverted the initiative and state resources toward creating EMOWAA — later renamed MOWAA — “thereby misleading the public and undermining the traditional institution.”
The Role of Legacy Restoration Trust
Ogbakha-Edo further accused the former governor of empowering a private company, Legacy Restoration Trust Ltd, to act internationally on behalf of Edo people in matters concerning cultural restitution and museum funding.
The group noted that the company, which was neither created nor approved by the Oba of Benin, was used as a vehicle to claim authority over Benin heritage and cultural assets, effectively usurping the Palace’s moral and traditional custodianship.
The statement cited the Oba of Benin’s address of July 9, 2021, in which the monarch publicly rejected the EMOWAA and Legacy Restoration Trust arrangement, declaring it “not in consonance with the people of the Benin Kingdom.”
Alignment with the Palace
Reaffirming loyalty to the Palace, Ogbakha-Edo declared its full alignment with the Oba’s position, stressing that to date, His Majesty has not rescinded his stance against the MOWAA project.
The group maintained that no opening or operation of the museum should take place in Benin City until the Edo State House of Assembly completes its ongoing investigation into the project’s ownership and the extent of government involvement.
“Opening MOWAA without due reconciliation with the Oba of Benin would constitute a grave affront to His Royal Majesty and a provocation to the Benin people,” the statement warned.
Ogbakha-Edo therefore urged:
The Edo State Government to ensure transparency and accountability in its investigation of MOWAA;
The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to suspend all cooperation or recognition of the museum pending clarification of its legitimacy; and
All Edo sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, to distance themselves from the project until it aligns with the will of the Oba and the people of Benin Kingdom.
The statement concluded with the traditional Benin affirmation:
“Emwen Oba gha se! Oba ghator okpere! Ise!”
Copies of the statement were also forwarded to the Presidency, National Assembly, National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and several diplomatic missions, including the Embassy of Germany and the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS.
