Obaseki Rejects MOWAA Allegations, Affirms Support for Edo’s Cultural Heritage Projects

Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has dismissed claims that he serves as a trustee of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and denied misappropriating funds raised for the Benin Royal Museum project.

In an online interview on Friday, Obaseki clarified that he never personally solicited donations for MOWAA but provided a supportive environment to ensure the project’s success. He stressed that his administration’s focus was on promoting Edo State as a revenue-generating cultural hub, rather than directly constructing museums.

Obaseki highlighted the Benin Royal Museum as part of a broader cultural district plan that includes the MOWAA Institute, Rain Forest Gallery, 1897 Memorial, and the National Museum. He insisted that at no point did the Edo State Government claim ownership of the artefacts or defraud the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

“Oba Erediauwa had set up a team to negotiate the return of artefacts long before I became governor. My role was to facilitate progress between the Palace and the federal government,” Obaseki explained, noting the government’s support in providing facilities for fragile works while ensuring their return to Benin City to attract tourism.

He reiterated that the government’s role is to create enabling conditions rather than directly fund museum projects. “I cannot take money meant for schools to build museums. What I do is support and collaborate with experts to make these projects succeed,” he said.

Meanwhile, current Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability regarding the MOWAA controversy. Receiving the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, at the Government House in Benin City on Friday, Okpebholo assured that any wrongdoing uncovered would be prosecuted.

He expressed concern over recent changes to MOWAA’s registration details and the unnotified presence of expatriates at a commissioning event, which he described as raising transparency issues.

Minister Musawa praised Edo State for its contributions to Nigeria’s cultural identity and pledged federal collaboration to resolve outstanding issues with MOWAA, aiming to restore dignity to traditional institutions and safeguard Nigeria’s global cultural reputation.