The Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has said the world recognised the Museum for West African Arts (MOWAA) as the Benin Royal Museum and it must remain so.
Oba Ewuare II stated that the structure was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum, saying the vision was supported by foreign donors and intended to house the repatriated artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin
Oba Ewuare II, who spoke when he paid a visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo, called on the Edo Governor and President Bola Tinubu to investigate and rename the historical monument to the Benin Royal Museum, as it was originally conceptualised.
He alleged a former Director General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Tijani Abbas conspired against the Benin palace and signed some documents on his behalf towards the Benin Royal Museum.
Giving background on some issues between the Benin throne and former Governor Godwin Obaseki, Oba Ewuare II alleged that the MOWAA project was fraud and lacked transparency.
According to him,: “As a Diplomat, I carried the struggle of my father and grand father for the return of looted Benin artefacts to the palace. I travelled to far corners of the globe”.
“I invited the then Governor, Godwin Obaseki in 2017 after he was sworn-in. I intimated him how far my father and I have been fighting for the return of the stolen Benin artefacts.
“I solicited his collaboration – being the Governor of the State, and he promptly agreed to support this effort. But on my second Coronation anniversary, he (Obaseki) came to meet me.
“He (Obaseki) surprised everyone when he said that he had a meeting with the Benin Dialogue Group and said that some Museums and international donors were already cooperating with him for the setting up of the Benin Royal Museum. He said that he has invited them for their next meeting in Benin.
“Everyone applauded him. Somehow, I had a bad feeling about about it as if something was going wrong or something was going to go wrong. As if my ancestors were prompting me not to believe the story.
“During Covid-19, I found out that there was evil plan and that a lot of money was coming for artefacts to the palace. But they decided to divert it to their own.
“Suddenly, I saw that they co-opted my eldest son into their conspiracy because of the fact that if they see him as the Crown Prince of Benin that could serve as a proof that they are collaborating with the Oba Palace. They would have succeeded in convincing international donors particularly the German government.
“After they constituted the Legacy Restoration Trust where they promise to give him a Board seat. The German government which did not event understand our tradition. They did not care to find out for reason best known to them because they were having interest of their own in Benin artefacts and conceded”, Oba Ewuare II said.
Governor Monday Okpebholo declared that the MOWAA controversy was over and pledged that his administration’s would work with the Benin Palace, the Federal Government, and international partners to ensure the return of all looted Benin artifacts.
He pledged to facilitate the establishment of the Benin Royal Museum as a global centre for cultural preservation and historical education.
Okpebholo named former Governor Adams Oshiomhole as Chairman of a Committee ascertain the true legal and operational status of MOWAA as well as clarify the position, rights, and stake of the Benin Royal Palace and Traditional Institution in the museum project
The Committee, according to a statement by Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, was set up due to series of protests and petitions from members of the public, including eminent individuals from the Benin Royal Palace and Traditional Council, concerning the operations and governance structure of the MOWAA.
Other members of the committee are General Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd.) Lucky Imasuen, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyam, Roland Itoyah Otaru, and Barr. Iryn Omorogiuwa to serve as Secretary.
