Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has chided the immediate past administration in Edo State, for attempting to mortgage the heritage of the Benin Throne.
He alleged that the administration under Godwin Obaseki secretly twisted Benin Royal Museum project into the Museum Of West African Art (MOWAA).
Oba Ewuare II, who stated this while playing host to the European Envoys who were on a courtesy visit to the Oba in Benin, alleged that the actions of the former administration mirror the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom.
According to the monarch, Obaseki’s administration allegedly collected funds from international donors, including the German Government, under the guise of building the Benin Royal Museum, but later changed the name and structure without royal consent.
“That video says it all. He collected money for the Benin Royal Museum — why the change to MOWAA”, the Oba questioned
The royal father disclosed that the former governor established a Legacy Restoration Trust to seize control of the Benin Bronzes and heritage from the palace.
“They brought me a document to sign to relinquish our rights. I refused. If I had signed, I would have mortgaged my ancestors’ legacy. Obaseki got angry because I said no.
“He was always angry with my people. He demolished homes and oppressed the Benin.You know how Hitler ruled your country; one could even liken him to almost a Hitler of Benin Kingdom.
“These artefacts belong to my forefathers. The palace was larger than what you see today. Even Wikipedia records that fact”, the Oba said.
He said the palace had already briefed a previous German delegation on the truth about the museum project and urged the European Envoys to watch the video of their earlier visit.
The monarch revealed that the Benin Palace once extended to the present-day Government House, stressing that the artefacts in question were looted from his ancestors.
Oba Ewuare lauded the Netherlands Government for returning over 150 artefacts to Benin and urged the Germans to uphold justice and transparency.
“Europeans are fair people. Please, don’t let anyone deceive you. The powers that were here used government authority to cheat you and cheat us.
He commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for taking steps to correct past wrongs, saying the new administration had set up a committee to investigate the MOWAA controversy.
“Please cooperate with our governor. He will uncover everything. I have left it all to him and to God Almighty.
“I look forward to receiving you again, Madam Ambassador, under happier circumstances. Let justice prevail so that our heritage and dignity can be restored”.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the visit, the European Union Ambassador, Gautier Mignot, disclosed that the visit was to pay homage to the Oba and strengthen ties with Edo State.
“We discussed the MOWAA project and the recent misunderstandings. We shared views in a spirit of dialogue and partnership”, he revealed.
He clarified that while the European Union has no direct investment in MOWAA, some member states, including Germany, are involved.
On her part, the German Ambassador, Dr. Annett Günther, hailed the governor and the Oba for their hospitality, reaffirming Germany’s long-standing partnership with the state in migration management, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.
She said: “Our cooperation extends to the return of over 1,200 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. But MOWAA can only thrive in a peaceful and transparent environment.”
