FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo has declared that his administration would never permit any act that desecrates or undermines the Benin monarchy or its centuries-old traditions.
The governor, who made the statement on Wednesday while addressing protesters, including palace chiefs and youth organisations who marched to the Government House, Benin demanding the immediate suspension of plans to inaugurate the Museum of West African Art, MOWAA, promised to defend the cultural sovereignty of Benin Kingdom at all cost.
Okpebholo described the protesters concerns as legitimate and patriotic, assuring them that his government shares their commitment to protect Edo’s cultural identity and royal heritage.
“Our culture is our identity. We know where these artifacts were taken from. Now that they have been returned, they must be restored to their rightful place.
“His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, is the true custodian of our heritage and nothing will be done to undermine that truth,” he said.
Commending the demonstrators for their orderly and disciplined conduct, which he said reflects the dignity and respect that the Benin Kingdom is globally renowned for, the governor disclosed that the Minister of Culture and Tourism had reached out to him and would visit Edo State for consultations.
“I will meet with His Royal Majesty to discuss this issue thoroughly.
“Please be confident that nothing belonging to the people of Edo will be taken from them. I will resolve this matter in a way that honours our history and monarch,” he assured.
The demonstrators expressed outrage over the planned November 11 opening of MOWAA, calling it premature, disrespectful and illegal.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Comrade Osazee Amas-Edobor said the House of Assembly is still investigating the project’s legitimacy, ownership structure and funding.
“If commissioned under these circumstances, it would disrespect the state government, Edo State House of Assembly and, most importantly, Oba Ewuare II,” Amas-Edobor noted.
He alleged that MOWAA was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum, a project meant to serve the Benin Palace, but was hijacked and altered through the controversial Legacy Restoration Trust Initiative under the previous administration.
According to him, funds earmarked for the museum were diverted, while Central Hospital, a critical public facility, was demolished to make way for MOWAA, sparking public outrage and unease among traditional and cultural stakeholders.
