Benin Monarch Vows to Block History’s Repeat in Museum Artifact Dispute
Amid a simmering controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has taken a firm stand, declaring he will not allow history to repeat itself. The monarch’s powerful statement follows a preview exhibition for the museum that was reportedly attacked and disrupted by hoodlums this past Sunday.
A Legacy of Conflict and Custody
The dispute over the project’s ownership and direction is not new. It first ignited during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki. The institution, initially conceived as the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), was later rebranded as MOWAA, a change that occurred amidst heated debate over who rightfully holds custody of Benin’s looted cultural artifacts.
Oba Ewuare II, evoking the painful memory of the 1897 British invasion that led to the initial plunder of the artifacts, made his remarks while receiving the current Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo. The governor’s visit to the palace included the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günter.
“It is Not Fair”: A Monarch’s Firm Stance
The Oba did not mince words in his criticism of how the MOWAA initiative has been handled. He accused former Governor Obaseki of attempting to undermine the inherent rights of the Benin people to their ancestral heritage.
“It is like history wanting to repeat itself,” the Oba stated. “My forefathers suffered during the British invasion of 1897, and it is not fair that this is happening again. The documents they brought for me to sign would have taken away our rights to these artifacts, and I refused.”
Governor Points to Secrecy, Launches Probe
Governor Okpebholo echoed concerns over transparency, revealing that he was not informed about the European envoys’ Sunday visit for MOWAA-related activities.
“I had no prior knowledge of the foreign visit; it is another case of secrecy and lack of transparency that has plagued the MOWAA project from the beginning,” the governor asserted. “Honestly, I was not aware that such a gathering was going to take place. However, we have spoken with His Majesty and gotten his side of the story.”
He confirmed that his administration has already established a committee to investigate the entire MOWAA project and provide clear recommendations. Governor Okpebholo also expressed surprise at the series of name changes, from the Benin Royal Museum to EMOWAA and finally to MOWAA.
Diplomats Seek Dialogue on Artifact Return
For his part, European Union Ambassador Gautier Mignot explained that the visit was intended as a gesture of respect to the palace and to strengthen ties with the state.
“We discussed the MOWAA project and the recent misunderstandings. We shared views in a spirit of dialogue and partnership,” Ambassador Mignot said. He clarified that while the EU itself has no direct financial investment in MOWAA, some of its member states, including Germany, are involved.
“Our cooperation extends to the return of over 1,200 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria,” he added. “But MOWAA can only thrive in a peaceful and transparent environment.”
MOWAA Management Distances Itself from Former Governor
In the wake of the controversy, the management of MOWAA has moved to distance the institution from the former governor. In an official statement, they emphasized, “We wish to emphasize that MOWAA is an independent, non-profit institution of which the former governor has no interest financially or otherwise.”
As the investigation begins, the future of one of West Africa’s most significant cultural projects hangs in the balance, caught between international diplomacy, state politics, and the unwavering determination of a traditional ruler to protect his people’s legacy.
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