German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, has said the Edo State government has not revoked the Right of Occupancy granted to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) by the former administration of Godwin Obaseki.

This was after reports surfaced that a directive to the effect had been issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo, amid escalating controversy surrounding the project.

The revocation notice, reportedly personally signed by Governor Okpebholo and dated October 21, 2025, was made public on Monday in Benin City.
According to the notice, the governor said the action was taken “in overriding public interest.”

Issued under the title “Land Use Decree 1978: Revocation of Statutory Rights of Occupancy Pursuant to Sections 28 and 38”, the notice cited the authority vested in the governor by the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 (now the Land Use Act).

The notice said Okpebholo declared that the land previously allocated to the Edo Museum of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE has been reclaimed by the state and will be restored to its former use as the Benin Central Hospital, a historic facility that served the city for over a century before being demolished during the Obaseki administration.

Reacting, German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, described the reports as untrue, adding that the governor’s office assured that nothing had been revoked.

Using her X handle, @AnnettInes, she said, “This doesn’t seem to be true. Governor’s office assured me yesterday that re MOWAA nothing has been revoked, declares this a social media scam. We will all work in good faith with the committee established by HE President Tinubu (Sic).”

Meanwhile, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has reaffirmed its respect for the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, CFR, and clarified its position regarding the Benin Bronzes.

In a statement issued in Benin City, the institution said it neither holds nor has ever claimed ownership of any Benin Bronzes. It explained that since its establishment in 2020, its focus has been on contemporary and historical art from Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, with no Benin Bronzes in its collection or on display.

The museum also addressed claims that it had misrepresented itself to secure funding as the Benin Royal Museum, describing the reports as incorrect. It urged stakeholders and donors to review its public records to confirm its transparency.

MOWAA further clarified that no formal commissioning or opening has taken place. The recent event in Benin City, it said, was a private preview for partners and stakeholders, featuring contemporary exhibitions and conserved artworks from across West Africa — none of which originated from Benin.