Ogbakha-Edo, a foremost Benin socio-cultural organisation, has called for the indefinite suspension of the plans to officially open the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City.
The organisation expressed it’s deep concern that “despite unresolved and contentious issues surrounding the ownership, funding, and control of the MOWAA project, plans are allegedly underway to commission the facility.
“These issues include, but are not limited to, the exact ownership structure of the museum, the extent of the use of Edo State Government resources, and the authenticity and integrity of alternative funding sources.”
Ogbakha-Edo asserted that “in view of these unresolved matters and the ongoing investigation by the Edo State House of Assembly to determine the level of government involvement, the legitimacy of private claims, and the future implications for Edos cultural heritage, Ogbakha-Edo hereby demands the indefinite suspension of the proposed opening of MOWAA.”
According to the organisation, “it is no longer a matter of speculation that the MOWAA project though presented as a public cultural initiative-was conceived, executed, and promoted under a cloud of deception, duplicity, and dishonesty. The museum, though publicly paraded as a state-endorsed initiative, was in fact the personal brainchild of Obaseki and his private collaborators, intended to supersede and sideline the Benin Royal Museum-the legitimate project conceived by His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, for the preservation and exhibition of repatriated Benin Bronzes and artifacts.
“Before the idea of MOWAA emerged, Obaseki had publicly committed himself and the Edo State Government to supporting the Oba of Benin in the establishment of the Benin Royal Museum, dedicated to housing the stolen artifacts being returned from various European institutions and private collections.
“However, rather than honour this royal and cultural commitment. Obaseki unilaterally diverted state and international efforts toward the creation of the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA)-later renamed MOWAA-thereby misleading the public and undermining the traditional institution.”
Going further in the statement signed by Professor Sam Guobadia and Dr. Andrew Izekor, the Chairman and General Secretary respectively, the Ogbakha-Edo insisted that “until the concept and operations of MOWAA are reconciled with the Oba of Benin and the Edo State House of Assembly concludes and publishes its findings, no opening ceremony or operation of MOWAA should take place anywhere in Benin Kingdom.
“Opening MOWAA without due reconciliation with the Oba of Benin would constitute a grave attront to His Royal Majesty and a provocation to the Benin people.”
Summing it up, Ogbakha-Edo called on “the Edo State Government to uphold due diligence, transparency, and accountability in the ongoing investigation of MOWAA; the Federal Ministry of Arts. Culture and Creative Economy to immediately suspend all cooperation, recognition, or partnership with MOWAA pending clarification of its legitimacy and all Edo sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora-to distance themselves from MOWAA and any activities associated with it, until the project is duly aligned with the will of the Oba and the people of Benin Kingdom.”
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