The Special Committee on the Museum of West African Art, MOWAA, has submitted its report and recommendations to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The committee, chaired by former Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, recommended, among other measures, the return of the museum to the Oba of Benin for management and that the facility be given a new name.
The ownership, funding and status of the Museum of West African Art, MOWAA, have remained a subject of controversy since the project was initiated under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The museum was initially registered as the Edo Museum of West African Art, EMOWAA, before its registered name was later changed to the Museum of West African Art, MOWAA.
This successive changes to the museum’s appellation raised questions about its ownership, particularly in view of the substantial financial commitment by the Edo State Government to the project.
In a bid to resolve the issues surrounding the facility, Governor Monday Okpebholo constituted a special committee headed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole to investigate the circumstances surrounding the museum and make recommendations on its future.
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Presenting the report, and recommendations, Oshiomhole disclosed that the previous administration spent N3.8 billion of public funds on the MOWAA project.
The committee further recommended that the existing facility be retained but renamed Benin Royal Museum of African Art, and returned to the Oba of Benin for management.
Receiving the report, Governor Monday Okpebholo commended the committee for what he described as a thorough and fair investigation.
He said his administration would constitute another committee to work with the Ministry of Justice towards producing a White Paper on the recommendations and determining the appropriate next steps.
The Governor expressed optimism that the resolution of the ownership and management issues will pave the way for the multi-billion-naira facility to be put to productive use for the benefit of Edo State and the preservation of Benin’s rich cultural heritage.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
