MOWAA CONTROVERSY: ANOTHER FRAUDULENT LEGACY OF THE OBASEKI ADMINISTRATION
On 20th October 2024, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) sparked fresh controversy after unilaterally removing the representative of the Oba of Benin—the First Prince—a representative they themselves nominated without the consent of the Monarch.
Once their hidden objectives were achieved, they discarded the Palace’s representative, further confirming the long-suspected pattern of disrespect, secrecy, and manipulation that characterized the previous administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
This latest development reinforced concerns that MOWAA was established and operated without transparency, proper consultation, or legal foundation, raising red flags about the true intentions behind the project.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MOVES IN – LED BY HON. BILLY FAMOUS OSAWARU AND OTHER EDO REPS
The Federal House of Representatives has now stepped in decisively.
Hon. Chief Dr. Billy Famous Adesuwa Osawaru, Member Representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, joined other Edo lawmakers to demand a full-scale investigation into MOWAA’s establishment and financial dealings.
Hon. Osawaru openly supports the probe, citing the following concerns:
- Lack of proper organizational structure
- Absence of a clear legal framework
- Non-transparent funding sources
- Unclear donor influence and agreements
- Possible threats to Nigeria’s cultural ownership and heritage
These issues mirror the hallmark of the Obaseki years—opaque deals, backdoor arrangements, and a governance style that sidelined institutions and traditional authorities.
THE MOTION BEFORE THE HOUSE – 18.11.2025
A formal motion titled:
“A Motion on the Need to Investigate the Establishment, Funding, and Implementation Framework of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin City, Edo State”
was adopted by the House on 18 November 2025.
HOUSE RESOLUTIONS
The House resolved to:
i. Constitute an Ad-hoc Committee to thoroughly investigate MOWAA’s:
a. Establishment process and the level of government involvement and oversight.
b. Funding sources, donor participation, and possible undue external influence.
c. Legal and financial implications of all agreements signed under the previous administration.
d. Safeguard measures protecting Nigeria’s cultural assets, heritage rights, and ownership.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: EXPOSING OBASEKI’S DECEPTIVE ADMINISTRATION
This investigation is yet another revelation of the fraudulent and deceptive governance style of the past Obaseki administration—an administration that:
- sidelined the Benin Palace,
- hid financial transactions from the public,
- operated without transparency,
- and pushed projects with shadowy agreements that now threaten Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The removal of the Oba’s representative without consent is not just an insult—it is evidence of a premeditated, secretive agenda long hidden from Edo people.
