Fresh controversy has apparently hit the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) as Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Monday, declared he was not informed about the Sunday visit of European Envoys to the state for activities linked to the Museum.

He disclosed while playing host to the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther, at the Government House in Benin, the Edo State Capital.

Governor Okpebholo, who appeared visibly surprised, later led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, in the company with his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, and other top government officials.

Speaking at the palace of the Oba, Okpebholo said he had no prior knowledge of the foreign visit, describing it as 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

The governor revealed that his administration has already set up a committee to investigate the entire MOWAA project and make recommendations, maintaining that his administration would dig deep with a view to unravelling everything about the project.

Okpebholo blamed the immediate past administration in the state for the lingering confusion surrounding the MOWAA, accusing it of handling the Museum without transparency.

He said, “It is strange how the project changed from the Benin Royal Museum to EMOWAA and then MOWAA, without consultation or approval from the Benin Palace.

“The former government never briefed me nor handed over any documentation. I know nothing about its transactions”, the governor submitted.

Governor Okpebholo warned that while the state welcomes foreign partnerships, every deal must respect local traditions, saying that “We are open to collaboration, but it must be transparent and honour our culture,”

The governor also faulted the demolition of the historic Central Hospital to make way for MOWAA, arguing it was “a misplaced priority that never put the people first.”

Okpebholo, however, promised fairness and openness in resolving the crisis surrounding the Museum, noting, “Edo belongs to us all. Our heritage is sacred and we will protect it, not politicize it.”

Speaking with journalists shortly after the courtesy visit to the Benin Monarch, the European Union Ambassador, Gautier Mignot, disclosed that the visit was to pay homage to the revered Benin Throne 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 revealed.

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

German Ambassador Dr. Annett Günther hailed the governor and the Oba for their hospitality, reaffirming Germany’s long-standing partnership with Edo in migration management, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.

“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.”

Earlier, Oba Ewuare II blasted the former government for allegedly trying to “mortgage” the cultural rights of the Benin people.

“The documents they brought for me to sign would have taken away our rights to our ancestral artifacts, and I refused,” he declared. (Nigerian Tribune)