Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has revoked the land title granted to the Museum of West African Art by the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, declaring that the property will revert to its original use as the historic Benin Central Hospital.
The decision, announced in a statement signed by the governor and dated October 21, 2025, and made public in Benin City on Monday, November 10, 2025, followed mounting controversy surrounding the MOWAA project.
The project has drawn objections from the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, as well as renewed public outcry over the demolition of the old Central Hospital to make way for the museum.
Okpebholo’s action came barely 24 hours after a chaotic scene at the museum’s preview exhibition, where protesters claiming loyalty to the Benin Palace disrupted the event attended by European diplomats, including the ambassadors of the European Union and Germany, forcing guests to be evacuated under tight security.
While the governor expressed shock that his administration was not informed about the envoys’ visit, he accused the previous government of handling the project with “a gross lack of transparency.”
However, MOWAA management has denied allegations that it used the name “Benin Royal Museum” to secure funding, insisting it held no claim to the Benin Bronzes.
Okpebholo, ordering the revocation of the Right of Occupancy earlier granted to the MOWAA management by the Obaseki administration, said it was carried out “in the overriding public interest,” citing the authority vested in him by Sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 (now the Land Use Act).
In the official statement titled “Land Use Decree 1978: Revocation of Statutory Rights of Occupancy Pursuant to Sections 28 and 38,” Okpebholo declared that the land previously allocated to the Edo Museum of West African Art Trust Ltd/GTE had been reclaimed by the state and would be restored to its original use as the Benin Central Hospital, a historic medical institution that has served the city for over a century.
“Notice is hereby given that in exercise of the power conferred upon me by Section (28) 1 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 and by virtue of all other laws enabling me on that behalf, I, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State of Nigeria, hereby revoke the Statutory Rights of Occupancy granted to Edo Museum of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE for overriding public interest,” the notice read.
Okpebholo said the land in question, known as Digital Plot No. 61977, Zone HI/A12/Ogboka, Benin City, in Oredo Local Government Area, measures approximately 6.210 hectares and was the site of the demolished Central Hospital.
He further noted that the boundaries of the property were contained in the survey attached to the Certificate of Occupancy dated November 28, 2022, registered as No. 169 at page 3 in Volume 45, and now kept in the EDOGIS Land Registry, Benin City.
The revocation marks a reversal of the Obaseki-era decision that sparked widespread public outrage, particularly from the Benin Royal Palace and heritage advocates.
The PUNCH reports that an exhibition at the museum turned chaotic on Sunday as angry protesters stormed the venue, forcing a high-profile event to shut down abruptly.
The preview opening, described as a private exhibition for investors, artists, and foreign envoys, quickly descended into panic when a mob claiming the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin breached parts of the premises.
Viral footage circulating later showed fear-stricken foreign dignitaries being evacuated under tight security.
On Monday, Okpebholo said his administration was not informed about the presence of foreign envoys in the state for activities related to the Museum of West African Art in Benin.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, the governor made the clarification when he received a high-powered delegation of European diplomats, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Annett Günther, at the Government House, Benin City.
He expressed shock over the visit of foreign envoys and later led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
Speaking at the palace, Okpebholo described the development as another example of the “lack of transparency” that surrounded the MOWAA project since its inception.
“We are here with the European and German Ambassadors, and their colleagues from the Netherlands and Belgium, to see His Royal Majesty. They have spoken about areas of collaboration and also about what happened yesterday. Honestly, I wasn’t aware that such a gathering was going to take place; that’s the truth. However, we have spoken with the Oba and gotten his side of the story,” he said.
The governor disclosed that his administration had already constituted a committee to investigate the MOWAA project and make recommendations on the way forward.
Okpebholo noted that the state government was never briefed on the project’s financiers, ownership structure, or operational details, stressing that even the Oba of Benin had personally expressed concern over its handling.
“The previous administration never briefed me about MOWAA nor handed over any documentation concerning the project. I know nothing about its transactions or agreements,” he added.
He condemned the demolition of the historic Central Hospital in Benin City to make way for MOWAA, noting: “Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum? We are proud of our heritage, but development must be responsible and people-centred.”
Oba Ewuare II lamented the manner in which the project was executed, accusing Obaseki of attempting to “mortgage” the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artefacts.
“It is like history wanting to repeat itself. My forefathers suffered during the British invasion of 1897, and it is not fair that this is happening again. The documents they brought for me to sign would have taken away our rights to these artefacts, and I refused,” the monarch said.
Speaking after the courtesy visit to the palace, Mignot said the mission of the delegation was to pay homage to the monarch and 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 Edo State. We also discussed the MOWAA project and the unfortunate incidents that occurred. We exchanged views in a spirit of dialogue and partnership, which is how we intend to move forward,” he said.
Mignot clarified that while the European Union as an institution had no direct investment in MOWAA, some EU member states, including Germany, were partners in the initiative.
Dr Günther, in her remarks, commended Okpebholo and the Oba of Benin for their hospitality, reaffirming Germany’s longstanding partnership with Edo State in migration management, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.
“I am honoured to have paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, and His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State. During my visit, I will attend the graduation of 450 youths from IT training programmes and visit several project sites. Our cooperation extends beyond development; it includes support for cultural heritage, including the return of over 1,200 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria,” she said.
Dr Günther emphasised that the preservation of peace and transparency was critical to sustaining MOWAA’s cultural and educational mission.
The management of MOWAA, however, denied allegations that it presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum to secure funding.
It urged relevant authorities to confirm directly with all donors to get the true position of its dealings.
Director of MOWAA Institute, Ore Disu, in a statement issued in Benin City on Monday, said the body would continue to uphold deep respect for His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.
Disu said MOWAA would make every effort to foster understanding and goodwill, as well as remain dedicated to engaging respectfully.
He said the organisation remained committed to contributing to the preservation and advancement of West Africa’s rich cultural legacy.
“MOWAA does not hold, nor have we ever claimed title to, any Benin Bronzes. Since our inception in 2020, the museum has consistently affirmed that it has no claims to these artefacts.
“Our focus for the last four years has been firmly on broader West African art, research, education, and conservation, with a strong focus on modern and contemporary, as well as historical works from Nigeria and beyond.
There are no Benin Bronzes on display at the museum, nor have there ever been,” the statement read.
Disu clarified that there was no planned formal inauguration or official opening of the museum, adding that Sunday’s event was a private preview for partners and stakeholders.
He also said none of the historical works on display were of Benin heritage. (Punch)
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