Photo: Members of Aiguobasimwin Movement During Submission of the Petition
A Bini socio-cultural group in Edo State, Aiguobasimwin Movement (aka Oya Ayasinmwin-Evbomwan) has petitioned the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to demand the revocation of the certificate of occupancy for the Museum of West African Art.
The group in the petition obtained by our reporter alleged that the museum was a personal asset of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, who allegedly diverted state funds for the project.
Mr Iyamu Osaro and Mr Osayuki-Osa Benson-Cultural-Founder/President and Secretary General respectively authored the petition.
It stated, “We are here today with the evidence before us to inform you that Obaseki deliberately diverted the money meant for the construction of Benin Royal Museum to build his private Museum known as MOWAA which is situated within the premises of the old central hospital.
“His Excellency Sir, it will interest you to know that this Obaseki sacrilegious act started two (2) years ago when he went for Art Exhibition Programmes in Germany and other European Countries wherein they announced the release of funds as part of their support for the construction of Benin Royal Museum as proposed by our God’s King, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom.
“Having gotten the brief from the German Officials and European Leaders, Obaseki came to Nigeria, Edo State to front his private NGO called Legacy Restoration Trust Ltd as against Oba Ewuare Foundation which he later changed to EMOWAA.”
The petition claimed that MOWAA is a ploy by the former governor to secure the funds that was diverted to build his private Museum (MOWAA) instead of BENIN ROYAL MUSEUM.
“Sadly, the said money was eventually released to Obaseki which he diverted to build his private Museum(MOWAA).
“In light of the above, we want to humbly appeal to His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo to immediately revoke the C-of-O of the dubious MOWAA and convert it to People’s Hospital (General Hospital).
The petitioners also requested the government to immediately set machinery in motion to support the proposal of the Palace of Oba of Benin to construct the proposed Benin Royal Museum.
It further urged “Edo State Government should immediately start the renovation of Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre that was shut down by Obaseki because he couldn’t grab our returned stolen artefacts for it to serve the purpose for which it was built.”
