BENIN CITY – Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has vowed to resist any attempt to seize or rename what rightfully belongs to the Benin Kingdom, declaring that his administration will not allow the cultural heritage of the ancient monarchy to be hijacked or disrespected under any guise.
The Governor gave the assurance on Wednesday when he addressed hundreds of protesters, including palace chiefs, civil society leaders, youth groups, and cultural advocates, who marched peacefully to the Government House in Benin City to demand an immediate halt to the planned commissioning of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).
The protesters accused the promoters of the project of attempting to exclude the Benin Palace from its original purpose as a Royal Museum conceived for the safe return and preservation of Benin artifacts looted during the colonial era.
Governor Okpebholo said that the state government fully shares the protesters’ concerns and will never compromise the dignity or authority of the Benin throne.
“Our culture is sacred and not for sale,” the Governor declared. “We know where these artifacts were taken from. Now that they have been returned, they must go back to their rightful place. His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, remains the true custodian of our heritage, and that cannot be altered or negotiated.”
He commended the protesters for their peaceful and disciplined conduct, noting that their composure reflected the civility and pride of the Benin people.
He also disclosed that the Minister of Culture and Tourism had contacted him and would soon visit Edo State to engage in broader consultations on the issue.
“I will personally meet with His Royal Majesty to resolve this matter in a way that honours our history and protects the dignity of our Kingdom,” Okpebholo said.
“Nothing belonging to Edo people will be taken away from them, not while I remain Governor.”
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the Benin throne and promised to protect Edo’s cultural identity with firmness and fairness.
“Our heritage is the soul of our people,” he said. “As long as I remain Governor, no one will tamper with it. We will defend our tradition with honour, wisdom, and courage.”
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Comrade Osazee Amas-Edobor said the MOWAA project had been “hijacked and repackaged” under a questionable “Legacy Trust” initiative by the previous administration, which allegedly diverted funds meant for the Royal Museum and demolished the historic Central Hospital to make way for the project.
“The planned opening of MOWAA without royal and legislative approval is unacceptable,” Amas-Edobor declared.
“We will not accept a situation where what rightfully belongs to the Oba and the people of Benin is taken away or renamed without their consent. Our heritage cannot be commercialised or manipulated.”
He accused the project handlers of attempting to rewrite history and urged the state government to halt all activities relating to the commissioning of the museum until due consultations are concluded.
The protesters lauded Governor Okpebholo for restoring integrity and confidence in governance within a short time in office, describing his leadership as people-focused and courageous.
