Okpebholo revokes Edo museum C-of-O, restores site to hospital

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo state, has revoked the certificate of occupancy (C-of-O) previously granted to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

The revocation comes after growing public discontent and strong objections from Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, over the demolition of the Central Hospital in Benin City to make way for the museum.

The decision was announced barely 24 hours after tensions escalated at a preview exhibition at the museum on Sunday, where protesters belting loyalty to the Benin Palace disrupted the event.

The gathering, which included foreign diplomats such as the ambassadors of the European Union and Germany, was forced to shut down as guests scurried out under heightened security.

In a revocation order dated October 21, 2025, Okpebholo said the land allocated to MOWAA has been reclaimed by the state.

He cited overriding public interest and concerns over transparency surrounding the project.

He stated that the land “known as Digital Plot No. 61977, Zone HI/A12/Ogboka, Benin City, in Oredo Local Government Area, measures approximately 6.210 hectares and was the site of the demolished Central Hospital”, adding that it would be restored to its original public health use.

In a statement on Monday signed by Fred Itua, his aide, the governor had said his administration had not been informed of the presence of the foreign delegation visiting Edo for activities linked to MOWAA.

He described the development as another example of “lack of transparency” that has trailed the museum project since inception.

“Honestly, I wasn’t aware that such a gathering was going to take place; that’s the truth. The controversy surrounding MOWAA stems from the lack of openness by the previous government,” the statement reads.

“It is curious how the project evolved from the Benin Royal Museum to the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), and now to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), without clarity or consultation with our revered traditional institution.”

He added that his administration had set up a committee to investigate the project “and make appropriate recommendations”.

Meanwhile, the museum’s administration has denied allegations that it has laid claim to any Benin Bronzes or sought to undermine the authority of the Oba of Benin.

In a statement on Monday, the museum said it has never presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum to obtain funding, urging authorities to verify this with donors.

“MOWAA holds His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II (CFR), the Oba of Benin, in the highest esteem and continues to uphold deep respect for the Benin Throne,” the statement reads.

Phillip Ihenacho, director of MOWAA, said he was saddened by the protest but “hopes this moment can lead to renewed dialogue, engagement and understanding, so that together we can realise the full potential of what MOWAA can represent for Nigeria and Africa at large”.