Okpebholo Shocked by Foreign Envoys’ Visit Over MOWAA Project
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Okpebholo Shocked by Foreign Envoys’ Visit Over MOWAA Project
By Editor
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed shock and concern over a recent visit by foreign envoys to the state regarding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project, revealing that his administration was not informed about the visit.
The Governor made the clarification when he received a high-powered delegation of European diplomats, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Annett Günther, at the Government House, Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo described the development as an example of the “lack of transparency” surrounding the MOWAA project, stating that his administration had constituted a committee to investigate the project and make recommendations.
He faulted the previous administration’s handling of the project, citing a “gross lack of transparency” and lack of consultation with the Benin Kingdom.
The Governor emphasized that his administration is open to partnerships but stressed that transparency and respect for the Benin Kingdom are non-negotiable.
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, also expressed concern over the project’s execution, accusing the former governor of attempting to “mortgage” the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artifacts.
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