Governor Okpebholo Claims He Was Not Told About MOWAA Diplomat Visit

ByFranklin Eke7 days Ago1 Mins read42

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, said he was surprised when European diplomats visited the state for matters linked to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). He told reporters that his government was not informed or involved in the plans.

Governor Okpebholo made the comment after meeting a delegation led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther, at Government House in Benin City. He later joined the diplomats on a courtesy call to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

The governor described the event as another example of “the lack of transparency that had trailed the MOWAA project from its inception”. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor said, “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,”.

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He said his administration has set up a committee to look into the whole MOWAA project and to advise on next steps. “The committee will look into the project’s evolution, financials, ownership structure, and the concerns raised by the Benin Palace”.

Addressing the diplomats, Okpebholo blamed a “gross lack of transparency” by the previous government. He asked how the plan moved from the Benin Royal Museum to the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) and later to MOWAA without clear consultation with the traditional rulers.

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“The controversy surrounding MOWAA stems from the lack of openness by the previous government,” he said. He also said he was never briefed about MOWAA nor given any project files when he took office.

The governor criticised the demolition of the old Central Hospital in Benin City to make room for the museum. He said the state respects its cultural sites but must put people first. “Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum?” he asked.

Okpebholo said Edo welcomes work with foreign partners, but any deal must be open and must respect the Benin Kingdom. “We welcome foreign collaborations, but everything must honour our traditions and be done openly,” he added.