A special committee investigating the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Edo State recommends that the museum project be returned to the Oba of Benin for management. The committee, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, presents its findings to Governor Monday Okpebholo in Benin City, where Okpebholo praises the report and says the government will move toward further review.
Across reports, the committee’s central argument is that the Benin monarchy is the appropriate custodian for the museum and that the facility should better reflect this role. It suggests renaming the project as the Benin Royal Museum of African Art. Outlets also cite concerns raised by Oshiomhole about past governance and funding decisions, including claims that public funds were spent and that the museum’s naming changed over time. The committee examines donor contributions, including government and foundation grants, and questions management’s figures related to land acquisition and excavation.
Vanguard and Daily Post frame the recommendation similarly as a handover to the Benin Palace, while Nigerian Eye adds detail on the committee’s funding and governance allegations. All sources describe the panel as recently formed and focused on addressing controversies tied to the museum project.
