The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has revoked the Right of Occupancy previously granted to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) by the former administration of Godwin Obaseki. This significant move comes amidst escalating tensions between the state government, the Oba of Benin, and various stakeholders regarding the rightful custodianship of Benin's rich cultural and artistic legacy. Governor Okpebholo declared that the property, encompassing approximately 6.210 hectares and identified as Digital Plot No. 61977, Zone HI/A12/Ogboka, Benin City, will revert to its original use as the historic Benin Central Hospital, which served the city for over a century.

Governor Okpebholo's decision was officially communicated through a statement, citing Section 28(1) and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978. The statement explicitly states the revocation of the Statutory Rights of Occupancy granted to Edo Museum Of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE "in the overriding public interest." The property's boundaries are detailed in the survey attached to the Certificate of Occupancy dated November 28, 2022, registered as No. 169 at page 3 in Volume 45, and currently held in the EDOGIS Land Registry, Benin City.

The controversy intensified last Friday when Governor Okpebholo received the Benin Monarch, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, at the Government House. During this meeting, the Governor declared that the dispute surrounding MOWAA was resolved and that the project would be restored to its original and rightful purpose: the 'Benin Royal Museum'. This cultural institution is conceived to honor the heritage of the great Benin Kingdom. Okpebholo also pledged to present relevant evidence and commitments to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence in the protection of the Benin Kingdom's dignity under his leadership.

Days after this pronouncement, the preview opening of MOWAA was disrupted by alleged armed thugs who invaded the venue, interrupting proceedings and reportedly holding several foreign dignitaries hostage. This incident led MOWAA to postpone its scheduled preview events, with reports indicating that the disruption stemmed from ongoing disputes between Edo State's previous and current administrations.

Underlying the revocation order are deeper issues and accusations. During a meeting with a delegation of European diplomats led by Governor Okpebholo to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II urged them to cooperate with Senator Adams Oshiomhole's committee to investigate matters related to the museum. The Monarch accused former Governor Godwin Obaseki of attempting to "mortgage" the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artifacts. The Oba alleged that Obaseki became hostile after he refused to sign documents that would have ceded those rights, drawing a parallel to the suffering of his forefathers during the 1897 British invasion. Oba Ewuare II further clarified that funds had already been raised for the construction of the Benin Royal Museum, which he specified is distinct from MOWAA.

In response to the mounting controversy, MOWAA issued a statement on its website to clarify misconceptions about its mission, holdings, and role within Benin City's cultural landscape. The management reiterated that MOWAA does not hold, nor has it ever claimed title to, any Benin Bronzes, stating, "There are no Benin Bronzes on display at the Museum, nor have there ever been." MOWAA also denied ever claiming or presenting itself as the Benin Royal Museum to secure funding, urging relevant authorities to confirm directly with its donors. Phillip Ihenacho, Director of MOWAA, expressed hope that this moment could lead to renewed dialogue, engagement, and understanding, enabling MOWAA to realize its full potential for Nigeria and Africa at large.