Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed surprise over the presence of foreign envoys in the state, stating that his administration was not informed about their visit, which is linked to activities at the Museum of West African Art(MOWAA), in Benin City.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, published in punchng.com, 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.Okpebholo expressed surprise over the envoys’ visit and later led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
Speaking at the palace, the governor described the development as another example of the “lack of transparency” surrounding the MOWAA project since its inception.He said, “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.
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“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 obtained his side of the story.”The governor disclosed that his administration had already constituted a committee to thoroughly investigate the MOWAA project and make recommendations on the way forward.The committee will look into the matter comprehensively and make appropriate recommendations,” he added.
Earlier, during a meeting with the visiting diplomats at the Government House, Okpebholo faulted what he described as a “gross lack of transparency” by the immediate past administration in handling the project.He said, “The controversy surrounding MOWAA stems from the lack of openness by the previous government.
“It is curious how the project evolved from the Benin Royal Museum to the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), and now to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), without clarity or consultation with our revered traditional institution.”
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 said.
While reaffirming his administration’s openness to partnerships, the governor emphasised that transparency and respect for the Benin Kingdom were non-negotiable.
He also condemned the demolition of the historic Central Hospital in Benin City to make way for MOWAA, saying, “Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum? We are proud of our heritage, but development must be responsible and people-centred.”Okpebholo assured that his administration remains committed to accountability and due process in all dealings.
“Edo people are peace-loving and welcoming, but we will not condone secrecy or actions that undermine our culture and institutions,” he declared.
Speaking after the courtesy visit to the Oba’s Palace, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the mission of the delegation was to pay homage to the monarch and strengthen cooperation with Edo State.
He said, “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.”Mignot clarified that while the European Union as an institution has no direct investment in MOWAA, some EU member states, including Germany, are partners in the initiative.
German Ambassador, Dr Annett Günther, in her remarks, commended Governor 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,” she said.
“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.”
Dr Günther emphasised that peace and transparency were critical to sustaining MOWAA’s cultural and educational mission.At the palace, Oba Ewuare II lamented the manner in which the project was executed, accusing former Governor Godwin Obaseki of attempting to “mortgage” the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artefacts.
The monarch said, “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 PUNCH reports that an exhibition at the museum turned chaotic on Sunday when 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 later showed frightened foreign dignitaries being evacuated under tight security.
The ambassadors of the European Union and Germany, among other international guests, were reportedly trapped for a while by the protesters, raising concerns about their safety.
