Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of Benin culture and tradition.

Mr Okpebholo said this while addressing hundreds of peaceful protesters at the government house in Benin on Wednesday to demand an immediate halt to the planned opening of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) on November 11.

The protesters include palace chiefs, civil society groups, youth bodies, and concerned Edo citizens.

The museum was initiated by the immediate past governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, to house artifacts recently returned from Europe to the Benin Kingdom, where they were stolen when the British invaded the kingdom in 1897.

MOWAA was originally conceived as the Royal Museum. It was initially conceived to be built in the Oba’s Palace but was later altered to MOWAA under the Godwin Obaseki-led administration and relocated to a site outside the palace.

Mr Okpebholo assured the demonstrators that their concerns were legitimate and that his administration shared their resolve to ensure Benin culture, heritage, and ancestral symbols were never desecrated, diminished, or exploited.

“We know where these artifacts were taken from. Now that they have been returned, they must be restored to their rightful place.

“His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, is the true custodian of our heritage, and nothing will be done to undermine that truth,” he said.

He announced that the Minister of Culture and Tourism had reached out to him and would be in Edo soon on the matter.

“I will meet with His Royal Majesty to discuss this issue thoroughly. Please, be assured that nothing belonging to the people of Edo will be taken away from them,” Mr Okpebholo said.

He assured that his administration would handle the issue with fairness, firmness, and unshakable loyalty to Benin’s cultural sovereignty.

“Our heritage is sacred,” he said. “And as long as I remain the governor, it will be protected with honour, wisdom, and resolute leadership,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Osazee Amas-Edobor said the museum project was still being considered at the House of Assembly.

Mr Amas-Edobor said that any attempt to commission it ahead of legislative clarity and royal approval would constitute an affront to the state and the throne.

“We are here to oppose the opening of MOWAA on November 11.

“Commissioning it under any circumstances would disrespect the state government , the Edo House of Assembly, and most importantly, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II,” Mr Amas-Edobor.

According to him, the funds initially earmarked for the Royal Museum were diverted, while the Central Hospital, a vital public health facility, was demolished to make way for MOWAA.

“Our protest is to preserve our heritage and to ensure that what belongs to the Oba is not misappropriated in any form.”

“Your Excellency, we commend your developmental strides across all sectors,” Mr Amas-Edobor said.

(NAN)