The controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) reached a turning point on Thursday when a special state committee presented its official probe report at the Edo State Government House, revealing a total government expenditure of ₦3.8 billion on the venture.
Former Governor and Committee Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, formally handed over the document to Governor Monday Okpebholo, detailing how state funds were channeled into a project that ultimately transitioned into a private trust.
The report breaks down how public assets and state funds were utilized under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, contrasting government backing with substantial international contributions.
Initial seed capital of ₦800 million was augmented by a final ₦1 billion release approved five days before the former administration left office, totaling ₦3.8 billion in state investment.
The historic Central Hospital in Benin City was demolished to provide space for the complex. International entities poured millions into the project, including €4 million from the German government and $1.5 million from the Leventis Foundation.
Despite MOWAA management reporting over $18 million in overall private and philanthropic funding, the panel noted that successive rebrandings from the proposed Benin Royal Museum to EMOWA and finally MOWAA, stripped the Edo State Government of equity in the facility.
To restore the initiative’s original vision of housing looted 1897 Benin Bronzes, Senator Oshiomhole urged the current government to reclaim public oversight:
”The several changes of name made it a completely private enterprise,” Senator Oshiomhole stated during the presentation, recommending that the state officially rename the site the Benin Royal Museum of African Art and transfer control to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
Following the submission, Chief Press Secretary Patrick Ebojele issued a statement on Friday confirming Governor Okpebholo’s intent to thoroughly review the committee’s findings to safeguard state resources and uphold the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
