BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has revoked the land title granted to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), a move that follows mounting controversy over the museum’s location and its ties to the historic Benin Central Hospital.
The decision, announced in a statement dated Oct. 21 and made public on Nov. 10, reverses a key policy of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose administration had allocated the site — formerly home to a century-old hospital — for the museum project. The revocation order cited “overriding public interest” and invoked Sections 28 and 38 of Nigeria’s Land Use Act of 1978.
Governor Okpebholo’s action came less than 24 hours after a preview exhibition at the museum was disrupted by protesters claiming allegiance to the Benin Royal Palace. The event, attended by European diplomats including ambassadors from the European Union and Germany, was abruptly shut down amid security concerns.
“I was shocked to learn of the envoys’ visit,” Mr. Okpebholo said in the statement, accusing the previous administration of a “gross lack of transparency” in its handling of the project. “The people of Edo State deserve clarity and respect when it comes to their heritage and public assets.”
Edo State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, echoed the governor’s concerns, stating that the land was “wrongfully reallocated without broad consultation.” He added, “The Central Hospital is a landmark of public health and memory. Its demolition for a project that lacked consensus was deeply troubling.”
The museum, which has drawn criticism from heritage advocates and the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has been at the center of a cultural and political dispute. The Oba has objected to the demolition of the hospital and raised concerns about the museum’s representation of Benin’s royal legacy.
MOWAA management has denied allegations that it used the name “Benin Royal Museum” to secure international funding, stating that it holds no claim to the Benin Bronzes — a collection of looted artifacts whose restitution has become a global issue.
The land in question, known as Digital Plot No. 61977 in Oredo Local Government Area, spans approximately 6.2 hectares. It was registered under the Edo Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) in November 2022.
The revocation order marks a significant shift in Edo State’s cultural policy and underscores the tension between modern development initiatives and traditional institutions. It also raises questions about the future of the museum project, which had been positioned as a centerpiece of regional cultural tourism.
Edo State Secretary to the Government, Josephine Omoregbe, said the administration was committed to “restoring public trust” and would prioritize the rehabilitation of the hospital site. “We are engaging stakeholders to ensure that the land serves its original purpose — providing healthcare to the people of Benin City,” she said.
Public reaction has been swift and impassioned. Many residents of Benin City welcomed the governor’s decision, viewing it as a restoration of cultural dignity and historical justice.
“This land belongs to our ancestors,” said Osahon Igbinovia, a local historian. “Turning it into a museum without the Oba’s blessing was a grave mistake.”
Others expressed frustration over the diplomatic fallout and the disruption of the exhibition. “We need development, yes, but not at the cost of our heritage,” said Efe Omoregie, a university student. “The government must find a way to balance both.”
On social media, hashtags like #RestoreBeninHospital and #RespectTheOba trended across Nigerian platforms, with users calling for greater transparency in cultural projects and stronger collaboration with traditional institutions.
As of Tuesday, the state government had not announced a timeline for the hospital’s restoration, though officials indicated that planning was underway.
