𝐎𝐤𝐩𝐞𝐛𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐀 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has revoked the land title granted to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) by the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, declaring that the property will revert to its original use as the historic Benin Central Hospital.

According to the governor, the decision was reached after consultations with key stakeholders, including the Benin royal palace, which had expressed concerns about the repurposing of the land. He stated that his administration remains committed to protecting Edo’s cultural heritage while also addressing the state’s health infrastructure needs.

The revoked land, situated in the heart of Benin City, had been earmarked by the previous administration for MOWAA’s art and heritage development projects, including the housing of repatriated Benin bronzes. Governor Okpebholo, however, emphasized that the welfare of Edo citizens must come first, noting that the hospital site holds historical significance for the people of Benin.