Edo Government revokes MOWAA Land Allocation, cites “Overriding Public Interest”
Governor Okpebholo moves to reclaim site for historic Benin Central Hospital
The Edo State Government has revoked the Right of Occupancy earlier granted to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), a major cultural project initiated under the administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki.
Governor Monday Okpebholo announced the decision in a statement personally signed and dated October 21, 2025, explaining that the action was taken “in the overriding public interest.” The revocation, according to him, is in line with the powers conferred by Sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 (now the Land Use Act).
The reclaimed land, measuring approximately 6.2 hectares, sits on Digital Plot No. 61977, Zone HI/A12/Ogboka, Benin City, and was formerly home to the Benin Central Hospital—a medical institution that served Edo residents for over a century before being controversially demolished to make way for MOWAA during Obaseki’s tenure.
“We are restoring public heritage,” says Okpebholo
Governor Okpebholo said the decision to repossess the land was driven by a need to restore public infrastructure and uphold the state’s historical heritage.
“Notice is hereby given that in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Sections 28 (1) and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978, and by virtue of all other laws enabling me in that behalf, I, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State of Nigeria, hereby revoke the Statutory Right of Occupancy granted to the Edo Museum of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE for overriding public interest,” the statement read.
He noted that the revocation restores the site’s original purpose as a health facility, emphasizing that the land will be “returned to its original use” as the Benin Central Hospital, which the state plans to rebuild and modernize.
According to the statement, all boundaries and legal descriptions of the property are clearly contained in the survey attached to the Certificate of Occupancy dated November 28, 2022, registered as No. 169 at page 3, Volume 45 in the EDOGIS Land Registry, Benin City.
MOWAA responds: “We respect the Benin throne and hold no Benin Bronzes”
Shortly after the governor’s announcement, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) issued a clarification, dismissing public misconceptions about its role and the ownership of the Benin Bronzes—the world-renowned cultural artifacts looted from the ancient Benin Kingdom in 1897.
In a statement signed by Phillip Ihenacho, MOWAA’s Director, the organization reaffirmed its deep respect for His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, and restated its mission to preserve and promote West Africa’s cultural heritage.
“Since our inception in 2020, we have consistently affirmed that we have no claims to the Benin Bronzes. Our focus for the last four years has been on broader West African art, research, education, and conservation,” Ihenacho said.
“There are no Benin Bronzes on display at the museum, nor have there ever been.”
He further clarified that MOWAA has never presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum—a separate institution envisioned by the Benin Palace—nor misrepresented its status in dealings with international donors.
“We suggest that the relevant authorities confirm directly with our donors that we have never misrepresented our status,” he added.
“We aim to complement, not compete”
MOWAA also stressed that its goal has always been to complement existing cultural institutions, not to replace or overshadow them.
“Our goal has always been to support other museums and cultural organizations in Benin City and across West Africa,” the statement read.
“We set out to demonstrate that it’s possible to build world-class conservation, research, and exhibition spaces right here in Nigeria. This is a gift for Black and African people everywhere — for people today and for future generations.”
The museum clarified that the event recently reported as an ‘opening’ was not a public inauguration but a private preview for partners and stakeholders to mark the start of a preview week showcasing its first contemporary exhibition and a selection of conserved historical works — none of which belong to the Benin heritage collection.
A new chapter in Edo’s heritage debate
The revocation of MOWAA’s land allocation marks a turning point in Edo State’s heritage and governance narrative, especially around the delicate intersection of culture, politics, and public infrastructure.
While the state government insists that reclaiming the site serves “public interest,” some cultural observers note that the move reopens old debates about how best to manage Nigeria’s historical artifacts and the role of state versus community ownership in heritage preservation.
For now, both sides appear to be calling for dialogue over confrontation, with MOWAA emphasizing collaboration, and the Edo State Government promising that the site will once again serve a purpose deeply tied to the people of Benin City.
