Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has revoked the Certificate of Occupancy of the Museum of West African Art, following recent controversy and unrest surrounding the institution.
The decision was contained in a letter dated October 21, 2025, personally signed by the governor and issued under the Land Use Act of 1978. Okpebholo said the revocation was made in the overriding public interest to preserve the state’s historical assets.
The letter titled “Land Use Decree 1978: Revocation of Statutory Rights of Occupancy Pursuant to Sections 28 and 38” stated that the property located at Plot No. 61977, Zone HI/A12/Ogboka, Benin City, measuring about 6.21 hectares, was previously granted to the Edo Museum of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE.
The letter read in part: “Notice is hereby given that in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by sections (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, the Governor of Edo State of Nigeria, hereby revoke the Statutory Right of Occupancy granted to Edo Museum of West Africa Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE for over-riding public interest, that is, to be given back to Central Hospital, which is a heritage for the state, as it has existed for over 100 years, and it is in respect of all that property known and referred to as digital Plot No 61977, ZONE HI/A12/Ogboka, Benin City in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, measuring an area of approximately 6.210 hectares.
“The boundaries of which are described in detailed survey at the back of the Certificate of Occupancy dated 28th day of November, 2022, which is registered as No. 169 at Page 3 in Volume 45 now kept in EDOGIS Lands Registry at Benin City, Edo State in favour of Edo Museum of West Africa Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE.”
The revocation came just a day after a violent protest disrupted a private exhibition at the museum in Benin City. The event, which was attended by foreign envoys, investors, and artists, turned chaotic when protesters claiming allegiance to the Oba of Benin forced their way into the venue.
Videos circulating online showed security operatives rushing to protect diplomats, including ambassadors from the European Union, Germany, and Denmark, who were later escorted to safety.
An eyewitness said the mob damaged parts of the building while attempting to reach the section where invited guests were gathered.
MOWAA has been at the centre of controversy over ownership and control, with palace sources insisting that initial funding was raised under the proposed Benin Royal Museum before it was renamed by the previous administration.
During the Oba of Benin’s recent visit to the Government House, Okpebholo vowed to protect the cultural heritage of Edo State and ensure that no one undermines the authority of the Benin Kingdom.
