Okpebholo Sets Up Committee To Probe Legal, Operational Status Of Controversial EMOWAA

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A committee to investigate the status of the controversial Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has been set up by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The composition of the committee, headed by a former governor of the state and senator representing Edo North senatorial district, Adams Oshiomhole, with retired army general Cecil Esekhaigbe as vice chairman, was announced in a statement on Friday by the secretary to the state governor, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

Ikhilor said the committee was necessitated by the series of protests and petitions from members of the public, including eminent individuals from the Benin Royal Palace and Traditional Council, concerning the operations and governance structure of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

The statement said, “In response, and in recognition of the Benin Royal Palace as the true and lawful custodian of the cultural heritage and artefacts of the Benin Kingdom, His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, has approved the constitution of a Special Committee on MOWAA”.

The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom “while ensuring transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in all partnerships and heritage-related initiatives”.

The mandate of the Committee, according to the SSG, are “Interface with international donors, partners, and trustees of MOWAA to; Ascertain the true legal and operational status of MOWAA; Clarify the position, rights, and stake of the Benin Royal Palace and Traditional Institution in the museum project; and Make appropriate recommendations to the State Government for further action”.

Other members of the committee are Lucky Imasuen, a former deputy governor, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former SSG, Roland Itoyah Otaru, senior advocate of Nigeria, (SAN) and the state attorney general and commissioner of justice, while Iryn Omorogiuwa, a lawyer, will serve as secretary.

The Committee is expected to commence work immediately and submit its findings and recommendations within the shortest possible time.