Authorities of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) have sparked controversy by refusing to appear before the Edo State House of Assembly committee investigating its operations and funding. The museum cited ongoing court proceedings as reason for their absence during Monday's resumed sitting.
Legal Standoff Halts Investigation
In a letter delivered by their lawyer, Olayiwola Afolabi, MOWAA informed the Ad hoc Committee that it would be sub judice for them to participate in the public hearing. The museum revealed that the same matter is currently before the Federal High Court in Benin City, making it inappropriate for them to discuss the issues in another forum.
The committee had been established following a request from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who sought to determine the state government's stake in MOWAA after committing N3.3 billion to the project. The investigation aims to clarify the true ownership structure of the museum and how public funds have been utilized.
Financial Revelations and International Funding
During the committee hearing, State Accountant General Julius Oseimen Anelu disclosed that N3.8 billion was released for MOWAA's construction between 2022 and 2024. He confirmed that all funding from the Edo State Government was properly appropriated in the state budget, while emphasizing that $18 million from international donors never entered state coffers.
MOWAA's submitted documents provided clarity on their funding timeline, stating that "no funds from any international institution had been received for the building of MOWAA until after it was very clear what MOWAA was and was not." The museum revealed that German government funding didn't arrive until late 2022, approximately eighteen months after the Benin Palace had disassociated itself from the project.
Royal Accusations and Committee Response
The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, represented by Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, made serious allegations during the hearing. He accused former Governor Godwin Obaseki of attempting to hijack processes for returned artefacts, while also implicating former Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed and former NCMM Director General Albert Tijani in fighting against the Palace.
According to the monarch, the Legacy Restoration Trust (LRT) had used his name to solicit funds abroad, only stopping when a Federal Government gazette recognized him as the legitimate custodian of returned artefacts.
Committee Chairman Hon. Ade Isibor expressed shock at MOWAA's refusal to attend, stating that the Assembly's investigative powers remain sacrosanct despite the ongoing court case. He emphasized that neither the Assembly nor the state government are parties to any litigation involving MOWAA, and the committee would proceed with its investigation using documentary evidence submitted by the museum.
The standoff continues as both sides maintain their positions, with MOWAA insisting on waiting for court outcomes while the Assembly asserts its constitutional right to investigate public expenditure.
