By Our Correspondent, London
Following the public outcry and protests that have greeted the proposed opening of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has constituted a high-powered committee to investigate the controversies surrounding the organisation and its operations.
The move, according to a statement released on Friday evening and made available to Truth Live News International by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., is in direct response to petitions from members of the public, including eminent personalities from the Benin Royal Palace and the Benin Traditional Council, who have raised concerns over the governance structure and ownership of MOWAA.
Ikhilor stated that Governor Okpebholo’s decision underscores his administration’s recognition of the Benin Royal Palace as the proper and lawful custodian of the cultural heritage and artefacts of the Benin Kingdom. He explained that the newly constituted committee is expected to interface with international donors, partners, and trustees of MOWAA to ascertain the museum’s actual legal and operational status, as well as to clarify the position, rights, and stake of the Benin Royal Palace and the traditional institution in the project.
According to the statement, the committee is also tasked with making appropriate recommendations to the Edo State Government for further action.
The governor named Senator Adams Oshiomhole as Chairman and General Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd.) as Vice Chairman. At the same time, His Excellency Lucky Imasuen, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Roland Itoyah Otaru, SAN, and Barrister Iryn Omorogiuwa were appointed as members. Omorogiuwa will also serve as the committee’s Secretary.
Ikhilor noted that the committee is expected to commence work immediately and submit its findings and recommendations within the shortest possible time.
Reiterating the commitment of the Okpebholo administration to transparency and cultural preservation, the Secretary to the State Government stressed that, “The Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom while ensuring transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in all partnerships and heritage-related initiatives.”
The formation of the committee is viewed as a bold and timely step by the state government to address the controversies surrounding the MOWAA project, which has drawn widespread attention both locally and internationally since its inception.
— Truth Live News International, London