Governor Monday Okpebholo has warned the management of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) against encroaching on land belonging to the Edo State Specialist Hospital in Benin City.
Okpebholo issued the warning during an inspection of the MOWAA project at King’s Square, vowing to protect public assets from private or institutional takeover.
The governor said the inspection was to verify the project’s boundaries after complaints that MOWAA’s ongoing construction had displaced sections of the hospital’s facilities, including doctors’ quarters and emergency wards.
“What we are witnessing is like a tenant trying to drive a landlord out of his property. The hospital has existed for over 90 years, and it must be protected.
“We have shown MOWAA their boundaries, and they must stay within them,” Okpebholo said.
He directed that a clear demarcation be established between both properties to prevent further disputes, stressing that while his administration supports cultural and creative investments, such projects must not come at the expense of public welfare.
“Edo people are not happy with this development. Our duty is to safeguard what belongs to the people. The facilities displaced must be replaced; public institutions cannot suffer in the name of development,” the governor added.
The governor’s visit comes amid ongoing tensions between the state government and MOWAA, a project initiated under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
Okpebholo said his administration will continue to ensure fair and balanced governance: “We will continue to encourage investment and preserve Edo’s cultural identity, but never at the cost of public institutions or citizens’ welfare.”
Responding, MOWAA’s Executive Director, Philip Iheanacho, acknowledged the state’s concerns and said the project was being developed based on a Certificate of Occupancy issued by the previous administration.
“We are in the first phase of a two-phase museum development project. However, we are willing to cooperate with the state government to reassess the boundaries and ensure no encroachment occurs,” Iheanacho stated.
He reaffirmed the museum’s commitment to working with the Edo government to achieve a resolution that respects both cultural heritage and community interests.
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