Inside Edo
Okpebholo alleges last-minute MOWAA registration tampering six days before his inauguration
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
14 Nov 2025 03:27 PM
Benin, Edo – The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Friday accused unknown actors of making “major and suspicious” changes to the registration details of the controversial Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project just six days before his November 12 swearing-in, vowing that criminal prosecution will follow any proven wrongdoing.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, at Government House, Governor Okpebholo revealed that state-obtained documents showed the alterations were executed on November 6, 2025, raising red flags over timing and intent.
“These changes were made six days before I was sworn in,” the governor stated
“This is deeply troubling and highly suspicious. We were deliberately kept in the dark, not just about the project, but about the arrival of foreign delegates for a so-called commissioning ceremony on Sunday. No courtesy, no transparency.”, Okpebholo added
He continued: “At the end of the day, there will be criminal prosecution. We are not fighting investors. We are protecting Edo State and Nigeria. There will be no hiding place for anyone who has abused trust or broken the law.”
The governor’s remarks mark the strongest public escalation yet in the MOWAA controversy, which has pitted the new administration against project backers over alleged exclusion, lack of due process, and threats to Benin’s cultural heritage.
Minister Musawa, while commending Edo’s global cultural legacy, acknowledged the federal government’s full awareness of the crisis and described the situation as an “original sin” that must be corrected.
“We are here to work with you, Your Excellency, and the traditional institution that has been grossly wronged,” she said
She noted, “This is about restoring dignity, protecting history, and safeguarding Nigeria’s international reputation. The federal government stands ready to support a balanced, transparent resolution.”
The closed-door meeting was attended by top state officials, including Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilo, and Attorney General Roland Otaru, SAN, signaling a unified government front.
Governor Okpebholo assured continued collaboration with the federal government and the Oba of Benin’s palace, but made it clear: “Due process will be followed. Justice will be served. Edo’s integrity is non-negotiable.”
As investigations deepen, the spotlight now falls on the November 6 registration changes a move the administration says was designed to lock in control before the new government could act.
The MOWAA saga, once celebrated as a beacon of cultural revival, now stands at a crossroads, redemption through transparency or accountability through prosecution.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, at Government House, Governor Okpebholo revealed that state-obtained documents showed the alterations were executed on November 6, 2025, raising red flags over timing and intent.
“These changes were made six days before I was sworn in,” the governor stated
“This is deeply troubling and highly suspicious. We were deliberately kept in the dark, not just about the project, but about the arrival of foreign delegates for a so-called commissioning ceremony on Sunday. No courtesy, no transparency.”, Okpebholo added
He continued: “At the end of the day, there will be criminal prosecution. We are not fighting investors. We are protecting Edo State and Nigeria. There will be no hiding place for anyone who has abused trust or broken the law.”
The governor’s remarks mark the strongest public escalation yet in the MOWAA controversy, which has pitted the new administration against project backers over alleged exclusion, lack of due process, and threats to Benin’s cultural heritage.
Minister Musawa, while commending Edo’s global cultural legacy, acknowledged the federal government’s full awareness of the crisis and described the situation as an “original sin” that must be corrected.
“We are here to work with you, Your Excellency, and the traditional institution that has been grossly wronged,” she said
She noted, “This is about restoring dignity, protecting history, and safeguarding Nigeria’s international reputation. The federal government stands ready to support a balanced, transparent resolution.”
The closed-door meeting was attended by top state officials, including Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilo, and Attorney General Roland Otaru, SAN, signaling a unified government front.
Governor Okpebholo assured continued collaboration with the federal government and the Oba of Benin’s palace, but made it clear: “Due process will be followed. Justice will be served. Edo’s integrity is non-negotiable.”
As investigations deepen, the spotlight now falls on the November 6 registration changes a move the administration says was designed to lock in control before the new government could act.
The MOWAA saga, once celebrated as a beacon of cultural revival, now stands at a crossroads, redemption through transparency or accountability through prosecution.
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