Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has debunked allegations that he diverted funds meant for the Benin Royal Museum or served as a trustee for the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), stating that his administration’s involvement was strictly supportive and aimed at boosting Edo State’s cultural and creative economy.
Speaking during an online interview on Friday, Obaseki explained that his government never initiated or managed the construction of any museum. Instead, he said the focus was on positioning Edo as a global cultural hub capable of attracting investment, tourism, and international partnerships.
He emphasized that the proposed Benin Royal Museum was part of an extensive cultural district initiative in Benin City, which also included the MOWAA Institute, the Rain Forest Gallery, the 1897 Memorial, and the National Museum. His role, he noted, was limited to facilitating collaboration and providing an enabling environment, not financial management or institutional control.
Obaseki recalled attending strategic meetings between 2017 and 2018 involving the Benin Dialogue Group, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, and representatives of the Oba of Benin to plan for the return of Benin artefacts from foreign institutions. He insisted the state government never sought ownership of the artefacts and only advocated for their safe return and preservation.
According to him, the Oba of Benin secured the land for the museum, while the state government pledged logistical and administrative support. “I was never a trustee of MOWAA and never interfered with its internal decisions,” he reiterated.
Meanwhile, current Governor Monday Okpebholo has said his administration will ensure full transparency as concerns surrounding MOWAA continue to generate public interest. During a meeting with Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, he disclosed that newly obtained documents indicated major adjustments to MOWAA’s registration records days before his swearing-in. He also raised concerns over alleged exclusion of the state from arrangements involving expatriates invited for a commissioning ceremony.
Musawa commended Edo State’s cultural relevance and assured that the federal government would collaborate with stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues in a manner that respects traditional institutions.
The Edo State Government maintains that its cultural commitments have not come at the expense of priority sectors such as education and social development.
