MOWAA scandal: Okpebholo vows criminal prosecution

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Friday declared that his administration will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found culpable in the unfolding controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), insisting that no individual or group will be spared if wrongdoing is uncovered.

The governor stated this when he received the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin.

Okpebholo, who expressed deep concern over the manner in which his administration was allegedly sidelined from critical information about the project, said the secrecy that has trailed MOWAA’s operations raises serious questions about transparency and intent.

He said: “I did not want to speak publicly on this again, but the time has come to state the facts. At the end of the day, there will be criminal prosecution on this matter.

“We are not fighting investors. Our duty is to protect Edo State and, by extension, Nigeria. There will be no hiding place for criminals in our land.”

The governor added that official documents obtained by the state government revealed significant alterations to MOWAA’s registration details, changes he said were made barely six days before his swearing-in.

He described the development as troubling, noting that the state was also kept in the dark about the arrival of foreign delegates for a purported commissioning ceremony.

According to Okpebholo, such actions undermine public trust and will not be tolerated under his watch.

Okpebholo, however assured that he will continue to defend the integrity of Edo, uphold due process, and work closely with the federal government, traditional institutions, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a transparent and credible resolution to the MOWAA controversy.

In her response, Minister Musawa commended Edo State’s historic contributions to the nation’s cultural identity, celebrating the global weight of Benin’s cultural heritage.

She acknowledged the federal government’s awareness of the controversies around MOWAA, describing the root of the problem as “an original sin” that must be corrected.

“Sir, I want you and your fantastic team to work closely with the traditional institution that has been grossly wronged.

“We want a balanced solution that respects history, protects traditional institutions, and strengthens Nigeria’s global credibility.

“The federal government is willing to listen and support all efforts to bring lasting succour”, she said

The meeting was attended by key government functionaries, including the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, Esq.; Chief of Staff, Mallam Gani Audu; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, SAN; and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, among others.

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