Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has revoked the Certificate of Occupancy granted to the Museum of West African (MOWAA) by the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

In the revocation order dated October 21, Governor Okpebholo said he revoked MOWAA’s C of O in ‘overriding public interest’.

He cited the authority vested in him by sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 (now the Land Use Act).

Okpebholo said the land previously allocated to Edo Museum of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE had been reclaimed by the state and would be restored to its original use as Benin Central Hospital.

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), Benin City has clarified recent misconceptions circulating about its mission, holdings and role within Benin City’s cultural landscape.

It says it holds Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare Il, the Oba of Benin, in the highest esteem and continues to uphold deep respect for the Benin throne, making every effort to foster understanding and goodwill.

In a statement by the museum made available to The Nation, MOWAA, through its Director, Mr. Phillip Ihenacho, said it remained dedicated to engaging respectfully and was committed to a collective effort to contribute to the preservation and advancement of West Africa’s rich cultural legacy.

MOWAA management has denied allegations that it presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum in order to secure funding.

It urged relevant authorities to confirm directly with any and all of the donors that it never misrepresented its status.

Director of MOWAA Institute, Ore Disu, in a statement issued in Benin City, said the body would continue to uphold deep respect for Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin. (The Nation)