• Okpebholo leads EU ambassador, others to Oba of Benin over incident

CHAOS erupted on Sunday when a private exhibition at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) was disrupted by a group of thugs. The exhibition, meant for investors, artists, and international guests, was being prepared for the museum’s official commissioning today, November 11, 2025.

In response, the Edo Police Command deployed officers to restore order and safely evacuate expatriates and guests from the venue.

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said: “Operatives of the Command went to the scene to restore normalcy and safely evacuate the expatriates to their respective hotels. The intervention was not a forceful eviction.” She added that intelligence had been received regarding the planned protest, prompting security deployment to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, addressed the protesters, helping to de-escalate the situation. MOWAA, yesterday, clarified that it has never presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum, nor received donations in its name, distancing itself from reports suggesting otherwise.

In a statement issued in Benin City yesterday, the museum urged the relevant authorities to verify independently with its donors, insisting it has “never misrepresented its status” in any dealings.

According to MOWAA, the clarification became necessary following “recent misconceptions circulating about its mission, holdings, and role within Benin City’s cultural landscape.”

The museum reaffirmed its loyalty and respect for the Benin monarchy, noting: “MOWAA holds His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, in the highest esteem and continues to uphold deep respect for the Benin throne.”

The museum added that it remains “dedicated to engaging respectfully and committed to a collective effort to contribute to the preservation and advancementof West Africa’s rich cultural legacy.”

On ownership of Benin artefacts, the museum said: “MOWAA does not hold, nor have we ever claimed title to any Benin Bronzes. Since our inception in 2020, the Museum has consistently affirmed that it has no claims to these artefacts.

MEANWHILE, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, led a delegation of European diplomats to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, amid growing controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). Some of the diplomats were reportedly inside the museum during its Sunday preview event when suspected thugs stormed the venue and forced them to leave.

Okpebholo said he was not informed about the Sunday visit of the European Envoys to the state for activities linked to the museum. He disclosed this while playing host to the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador, Dr Annett Günther, at Government House in Benin, the Edo State Capital.

Okpebholo, who appeared visibly surprised, later led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, in the company of his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, and other top government officials.

Speaking at the Palace of the Oba, Okpebholo said he had no prior knowledge of the visit, describing it as another case of “secrecy and lack of transparency” that has dogged the MOWAA project from inception.

The governor revealed that his administration has already set up a committee to investigate the entire MOWAA project and make recommendations, maintaining that his administration would dig deep to unravel everything about the project.