Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that anyone found complicit in questionable activities linked to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project will face prosecution.
Speaking while receiving the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He stressed that Edo State is not at war with investors but will not shield individuals involved in misconduct.
Okpebholo expressed displeasure over what he described as deliberate exclusion of his administration from key details about the project including the unannounced arrival of foreign delegates for a questionable commissioning ceremony.
“I didn’t want to speak publicly on this again, but the time has come to state the facts,” he said. “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 Nigeria. There will be no hiding place for criminals in our land.”
The governor further revealed that documents obtained by the state showed suspicious changes to MOWAA’s registration details made just six days before his swearing-in a development he described as deeply troubling.
In her remarks, Minister Musawa praised Edo State’s cultural significance and acknowledged the federal government’s awareness of the issues trailing MOWAA. She described the situation as “an original sin” that must be corrected to uphold traditional institutions and protect Nigeria’s cultural reputation globally.
She appealed for closer collaboration with the state and the Oba-led traditional institution, noting that a balanced and dignified resolution was critical.
The meeting was attended by key officials including the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. 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.
Governor Okpebholo reassured that his administration will maintain due process, defend the integrity of Edo State, and work with all stakeholders, including the federal government and traditional institutions, to ensure a transparent and credible conclusion to the MOWAA controversy.
