As the crisis over the true ownership of the Museum of West African Art, MOWAA, between the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Edo State Government and the management of the facility rages on, Governor Monday Okpebholo has constituted a six-man special committee to probe the operations and governance structure of the museum.
Some members of the public, including the palace chiefs of the Oba of Benin, had on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, protested against the planned inauguration of the museum slated for November 11, 2025, in Benin City.
The protesters, including various pro-Benin socio-cultural and traditional groups, youths, women and chiefs, chanted solidarity songs in defence of Edo heritage and its culture.
Following the protest, Okpebholo on Friday, November 7, 2025, announced the setting up of a six-man special committee headed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of the state, to probe the operations and governance structures of the museum.
Other members are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen, the former deputy governor of the state, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), Prof Roland Otaru, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Barr. Iryn Omorogiuwa as secretary.
A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, said the setting up of the committee followed the series of protests and petitions received by the government from members of the public.
Ikhilor said the petitions also came from eminent individuals from the Benin Royal Palace and the Benin Traditional Council concerning the operations and governance structure of the museum.
“In response, and in recognition of the Benin Royal Palace as the true and lawful custodian of the cultural heritage and artefacts of the Benin Kingdom, His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, has approved the constitution of a Special Committee on MOWAA.
“The Committee is expected to commence work immediately and submit its findings and recommendations within the shortest possible time,” the statement said.
The government mandated the committee to interface with international donors, partners, and trustees of MOWAA to ascertain the true legal and operational status of the facility.
The government also wants the committee to clarify the position, rights, and stake of the Benin Royal Palace and traditional institution in the museum project, as well as make appropriate recommendations to the State Government for further action.
Okpebholo reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom while ensuring transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in all partnerships and heritage-related initiatives.
The state government had, on October 20, 2025, in a letter to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, dated October 8, 2015, directed the House to commence an investigation into two critical projects of the Obaseki administration.
The government listed the two projects as Radisson Blu Hotels and Museum for West African Arts, MOWAA.
The House, on October 21, 2025, constituted a 14-man ad hoc committee to probe the projects.
Each of the projects has seven members and they have one month each to submit their reports.
The Radisson Blue Hotel committee has Jonathan Ibhawamau, House Majority Leader and member representing Esan West constituency as chairman.
Other members of the committee are Osamwonyi Kaycee (Uhunmwode), Addeh Isibor (Esan North-East I) and the deputy Majority Leader of the House, Sunday Aghedo (Ovia South-West), Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II), Sunday Ojiezele (Esan South-East) and Eric Okaka (Owan East).
The committee for the Museum for West Africa Arts, MOWAA, has Addeh Isibor, the deputy Majority Leader of the House and member representing Esan North-East I as chairman.
Other members are Andrew Uzamere (Ovia North-East II), Jonathan Ibhawamau (Esan West), Eugene Ojie Inegbeboh (Igueben), Lecky Hussein (Etsako West I), Richard Edosa (Oredo West) and Yekini Idiaye (Akoko-Edo I).
The committees were directed to ascertain the status, and the Edo State government’s stake in each of the projects.
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