The Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chris Okaeben, on Wednesday said the return of the Edo Museum of West African Art and the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre to the Oba of Benin by the state government were two major policy decisions taken by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The commissioner stated this at the bi-monthly press briefing of the state Ministry of Information and Strategy in Benin City.

He said contrary to claims that the European Union invested in the Museum of West African Art, it was established that the EU only gave a grant in support of the project.

He added that the Edo State Government, apart from providing the land, invested N3.8bn in MOWAA, which would now revert to its original name, EMOWA.

Okaeben described Okpebholo’s administration as a blessing to the people of Edo, alleging that the state’s traditional and cultural values had been eroded by cultism and kidnapping before the governor assumed office.

The commissioner announced that the Edo Carnival, aimed at enhancing unity among Edo people, would be held in December, adding that his ministry was grading hotels in the state to enhance tourism.

“The claims that the European Union invested in the Museum of West African Art is wrong. What was established is that the Union gave a grant in support of the project. Apart from providing the land, the state invested N3.8 billion in MOWAA which will now revert to its original name, EMOWA.

“We are partnering with investors on heritage sites. Benin Moat is one of the state’s most important heritage sites for tourists to visit,” Okaeben said.

The opening of MOWAA was indefinitely postponed after protesters and armed individuals stormed its preview event on November 9, 2025, forcing the emergency evacuation of international guests and diplomats.

Demonstrators chanted war songs and demanded that the institution be renamed the “Benin Royal Museum”, arguing that cultural heritage matters in the kingdom fell under the direct authority of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.