Following the controversy surrounding the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWAA), the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has said he would not allow history to repeat itself.

Recall that hoodlums attacked and disrupted a preview exhibition on Sunday.

Tussle over ownership of the project started during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The Museum was initially named Edo Museum for West Africa Art (EMOWAA) and later changed to MOWAA following the controversy that arose over custody of the looted artefacts.

Oba of Benin, who was apparently referring to the Benin invasion of 1897 when the artefacts were first taken away, made the remark when he received Governor Monday Okpebholo, who led the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther, to his Palace

Oba Ewuare II lamented the manner in which the MOWAA project was executed, accusing Obaseki, of attempting to mortgage the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artifact.

“It is like history wanting to repeat itself. My forefathers suffered during the British invasion of 1897, and it is not fair that this is happening again. The documents they brought for me to sign would have taken away our rights to these artifacts, and I refused,” he said.

Also speaking, Governor Okpebolo said he was not informed about Sunday’s visit of the European Envoys to the state for activities linked to the MOWAA.

“I had no prior knowledge of the foreign visit; it is another case of secrecy and lack of transparency that has dogged the MOWAA project from the inception.”

“Honestly, I was not aware that such a gathering was going to take place. However, we have spoken with His Majesty and gotten his side of the story,” he said

He said his administration had already set up a committee to investigate the entire MOWAA project and make recommendations.

He expressed surprise over how Obaseki changed the initial name of the museum from the Benin Royal Museum to Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWA) and finally to Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

On his part, the European Union Ambassador disclosed that the visit was to pay homage to the Palace and strengthen ties with the State.

“We discussed the MOWAA project and the recent misunderstandings. We shared views in a spirit of dialogue and partnership”, he said.

He clarified that while the European Union has no direct investment in MOWAA, some member states, including Germany, were involved.

“Our cooperation extends to the return of over 1,200 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. But MOWAA can only thrive in a peaceful and transparent environment.” he said

Meanwhile, the management of MOWA has declared that Obaseki has no stake in the organisation.

“We wish to emphasize that MOWAA is an independent, non-profit institution of which the former governor has no interest financially or otherwise,” the said in a statement. (Daily Trust)