As controversy deepens over the true ownership and governance of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has constituted a six-man special committee to investigate the operations and management structure of the museum.
The development follows mounting tension between the Palace of the Oba of Benin, the Edo State Government, and the management of MOWAA.
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, palace chiefs, pro-Benin socio-cultural groups, youths, women, and traditional leaders took to the streets to protest the planned inauguration of the museum scheduled for November 11, 2025.
The demonstrators chanted solidarity songs in defense of Benin heritage and culture, insisting the museum rightfully belongs to the Benin people.
In response to the protests, Governor Okpebholo, on Friday, November 7, 2025, announced the formation of a special committee headed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of the state, to probe the operations of MOWAA.
Other members of the committee include Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen (former deputy governor), Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), Prof. Roland Otaru, and Barr. Iryn Omorogiuwa, who will serve as secretary.
A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, explained that the committee’s creation followed numerous petitions from the public, including eminent figures from the Benin Royal Palace and the Benin Traditional Council, raising concerns over the museum’s operations.
“In recognition of the Benin Royal Palace as the true and lawful custodian of the cultural heritage and artefacts of the Benin Kingdom, His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, has approved the constitution of a Special Committee on MOWAA,” the statement read.
The committee is expected to commence work immediately and submit its findings and recommendations within the shortest possible time.
It has been tasked to engage international donors, partners, and trustees of MOWAA to determine the museum’s true legal and operational status, clarify the position and rights of the Benin Royal Palace, and advise the state government on appropriate next steps.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in all heritage-related projects.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government had earlier, on October 20, 2025, directed the State House of Assembly to investigate two major projects initiated under the previous administration — the Radisson Blu Hotel and the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).
In compliance, the House on October 21, 2025, constituted two 14-member ad hoc committees, each with seven members assigned to one project and given one month to submit their reports.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Committee is chaired by Jonathan Ibhawamau, the House Majority Leader, while the MOWAA Committee is headed by Addeh Isibor, the Deputy Majority Leader. Both panels were mandated to ascertain the current status of the projects and determine the state government’s stake in each.
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