Fresh facts have emerged in the ongoing Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), controversy as Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the revocation of the Right of Occupancy (R.O.O.) earlier granted to the museum’s management by the former administration of Godwin Obaseki.

Okpebholo’s move follows weeks of heightened controversy surrounding MOWAA, after the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, accused the former governor of diverting donor funds and altering the original plan for the Benin Royal Museum without the palace’s consent.

The Oba had described Obaseki’s actions as a betrayal of trust, alleging that the former administration sought to “mortgage” the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artefacts through the establishment of the Legacy Restoration Trust—a private entity said to have taken control of the museum project.

The governor’s directive, contained in a letter he personally signed, and dated October 21, 2025, was made public on Monday in Benin City.

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According to the governor, the revocation was carried out “in the overriding public interest.”

In the official statement titled,In the official statement titled, “Land Use Decree 1978: Revocation of Statutory Rights of Occupancy Pursuant to Sections 28 and 38,” the governor cited the authority vested in him by Sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 (now the Land Use Act).

The governor declared that the land previously allocated to the Edo Museum of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE has been reclaimed by the state and would be restored to its original use as the Benin Central Hospital, a historic medical institution that has served the city for over a century.

The statement reads: “Notice is hereby given that in exercise of the power conferred upon me by Section (28) 1 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 and by virtue of all other laws enabling me on that behalf, I, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State of Nigeria, hereby revoke the Statutory Rights of Occupancy granted to Edo Museum Of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE for overriding public interest.”

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Okpebholo explained that the land in question, known as Digital Plot No. 61977, Zone HI/A12/Ogboka, Benin City, in Oredo Local Government Area, measures approximately 6.210 hectares and was the site of the demolished Central Hospital, controversially cleared during Obaseki’s tenure to make way for the museum project.

He further noted that the boundaries of the property were contained in the survey attached to the Certificate of Occupancy dated November 28, 2022, registered as No. 169 at page 3 in Volume 45, and now kept in the EDOGIS Land Registry, Benin City.

The revocation marks a dramatic reversal of the Obaseki-era decision that sparked widespread public outrage, particularly from the Benin Royal Palace and heritage advocates, who had condemned the demolition of the historic hospital and the alleged sidelining of traditional authorities in the museum project.

Management of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has denied allegations that it presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum in order to secure funding.

It urged relevant authorities to confirm directly with any of it donors if it ever misrepresented its status.

Director of MOWAA Institute, Ore Disu, in a statement issued in Benin City, said the body would continue to uphold deep respect for His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.

Disu said MOWAA would make every effort to foster understanding and goodwill as well as remain dedicated to engaging respectfully.

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She said the organisation remained committed to a collective effort to contribute to the preservation and advancement of West Africa’s rich cultural legacy.

According to the statement, “MOWAA does not hold, nor have we ever claimed title to any Benin Bronzes. Since our inception in 2020, the Museum has consistently affirmed that it has no claims to these artefacts.

“Our focus for the last four years has been firmly on broader West African art, research, education, and conservation, with a strong focus on modern and contemporary, as well as historical works from Nigeria and beyond. There are no Benin Bronzes on display at the Museum, nor have there ever been.

“We are committed to supporting other museums and cultural institutions in Benin City and across West Africa as part of our mission to contribute to the city’s economic development and strengthen its image as a cultural capital for the region.

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“MOWAA’s goal has always been to complement, not compete with, other cultural institutions. We do this by fostering collaboration with artists, researchers, universities and museums across the region. We look forward to working as part of this wider ecosystem, supporting and strengthening Nigeria’s growing network of cultural institutions.”

Disu clarified that there was no planned formal commissioning or official. opening of the Museum but that Sunday’s event was a private preview for partners and stakeholders.

She said none of the historical works on display were of Benin heritage.

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“We set out to demonstrate that it’s possible to build world-class conservation facilities, research, and exhibition spaces right here in Nigeria. We’ve shown that African stories can be told on our own terms, and I’m incredibly proud and grateful for what we’ve accomplished so far. This is a gift for black and African people everywhere; for people today and future generations.”

Director of MOWAA, Philip Iheanacho, said they were saddened by the events of Sunday.

“But we hope this moment can lead to renewed dialogue, engagement and understanding, so that together we can realise the full potential of what MOWAA can represent for Nigeria and Africa at large.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Timipre Sylva, the former Bayelsa state governor, wanted.

A statement on Monday by Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, said Sylva, who also served as minister of state for petroleum resources, is wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.

The anti-graft agency urged anyone with useful information about his whereabouts to contact any of its offices or the nearest police station.

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“The public is hereby notified that TIMIPRE SYLVA, a former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, and former Governor of Bayelsa State, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Conspiracy and Dishonest Conversion of $14,859,257 – part of funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a Refinery,” the statement reads.

“Sylva, 61, is from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The notice follows a November 6, 2025 warrant issued by [a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos].

“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja offices, via 08093322644, e-mail info@efcc.gov.ng, or the nearest police station.”

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In October, soldiers reportedly raided Sylva’s residences in Abuja and Bayelsa, arresting his brother amid allegations linking the former Bayelsa governor to a failed plot to overthrow the Bola Tinubu administration.

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Julius Bokoru, special assistant on media and public affairs to Sylva, confirmed the raid on Sylva’s residence, but said the claim was politically motivated.