MOWAA: Edo Government Will Not Succumb To Blackmail – Commissioner

By Raphael Okhiria

The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Prince Kassim Afegbua, has further illuminated the controversies surrounding the establishment of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin City, which has created a rift between the current state government and the former administration of Godwin Obaseki.

According to the commissioner, there are lots of secrecy about MOWAA, but insisted that the Okpebholo-led government will not succumb to blackmail.

Afegbua who made the disclosure when he received in audience members of the Edo Online Media Practitioners, stated that having a magnificent museum like MOWAA in Benin City without Benin artifacts there speaks volumes and is improper, noting that one cannot discuss culture in Benin without the Benin Monarchy.

“Germany alone returned about 1,200 artifacts. The Netherlands released 119 artifacts. All of these are supposed to be part of our cultural heritage,” he noted.

He urged journalists to conduct proper research on MOWAA to ascertain the true position of things and ensure the public is accurately informed about the establishment’s ownership and status.

The commissioner emphasized the rich history and meaning behind every artifact in Benin City, adding that before the king says you should do something, there must be a reason behind it.

He promised to partner with the Edo Online Media Practitioners in a manner that would mutually benefit both parties for the development of Edo State.

The online body was led on the visit by the Acting Chairman, Comrade Dada Ayokhai, who remarked that the purpose was to formally meet and interact with the new commissioner.

Mr. Ayokhai told the Commissioner that the body aims to checkmate quacks, noting that its members are trained journalists with both academic and field experience.

He added that the body’s code of conduct aligns with the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ ethical standards and global journalism tenets.

He assured the Commissioner of the body’s support and called for open invitations to members to cover ministry and state government activities, ensuring first‑hand information instead of relying on secondary sources.