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… moves to halt MOWAA opening Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restated his administration’s commitment to preserving the sanctity of Benin culture and tradition, vowing that no action under his watch will undermine the cultural authority of the Oba of Benin. The Governor gave the assurance on Wednesday while addressing hundreds of peaceful protesters who stormed the Government House in Benin City to demand a stop to the planned inauguration of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). The demonstrators, comprising palace chiefs, civil society groups, youth bodies, and concerned citizens, urged the government to protect the Benin heritage and stop any move that could diminish the authority of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II. Governor Okpebholo assured the protesters that their concerns were valid, stressing that his administration shared their resolve to safeguard the state’s cultural identity. “Our culture is our identity,” he said. “We know where these artefacts were taken from. Now that they have been returned, they must be restored to their rightful place under the custodianship of His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.” He commended the demonstrators for their peaceful conduct, describing it as a reflection of the dignity and discipline for which the Benin Kingdom is known worldwide. The Governor disclosed that the Minister of Culture and Tourism had contacted him and would visit Edo for further discussions on the issue. Okpebholo, in his closing remarks, urged the demonstrators to remain peaceful, assuring them that his administration would protect Benin’s cultural sovereignty with fairness, firmness, and honour. “Our heritage is sacred. And as long as I remain Governor, it will be preserved with wisdom and resolute leadership,” he declared. Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Comrade Osazee Amas-Edobor, alleged that the MOWAA project, originally conceived as the Royal Museum for the Benin Palace, was altered under a controversial “Legacy Trust” arrangement introduced by the former administration He claimed that funds meant for the Royal Museum were allegedly diverted and that the Central Hospital was demolished to make way for the new project, sparking discontent among traditional and cultural stakeholders. Our protest is peaceful, it is to ensure that what belongs to the Oba and the people of Benin is not misappropriated”, he said. The protesters expressed strong opposition to the proposed MOWAA inauguration slated for November 11, 2025, describing it as premature and disrespectful. They argued that the project remains under deliberation at the Edo State House of Assembly and cannot proceed without legislative and royal approval. The protesters also commended Governor Okpebholo’s developmental strides in his first year in office, praising his leadership and people-oriented reforms that have restored confidence in governance. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
