Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has refuted allegations of defrauding the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, regarding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project. In a recent interview, Obaseki clarified that he was not a trustee of MOWAA and did not participate in any fundraising for the initiative.
Obaseki emphasized that his focus was not on personally constructing a museum but rather on fostering an environment conducive to generating revenue for Edo State through culture and the creative arts. He described the Benin Royal Museum as part of a larger cultural district plan, which would also encompass the MOWAA Institute.
He proposed the establishment of a Trust that would include the Benin Palace, the federal government, and the state government to ensure a coordinated effort for the cultural district project. Obaseki stated, “I cannot speak for MOWAA because I didn’t go with them to raise money. When they asked for our support, we gave them.”
He outlined a vision for a cultural district that would enhance the city center with various cultural institutions, including the MOWAA Institute and the Royal Museum. He noted that the Oba had acquired land for these projects and that the state government would support initiatives promoting Edo as a cultural hub.
Obaseki further explained that building museums was not a priority for his administration, stating, “I cannot take the money I want to use to build schools to go and build museums.” Instead, he aimed to create an enabling environment for those experienced in museum construction, collaborating with them to achieve that goal.
MOWAA has reportedly raised over €80 million, a sum Obaseki acknowledged was beyond the financial capacity of Edo State. He reiterated that his role was to support the initiative, providing land and an enabling environment rather than direct funding.
Obaseki recounted his interactions with the Benin Palace, highlighting the intention to establish a trust that included representatives from the Palace and the federal and state governments. However, he noted that misunderstandings arose during discussions in Germany, leading to the Palace’s withdrawal from the Trust. The Oba then expressed a desire to create a Royal Museum independently, which Obaseki confirmed the state would support.
In conclusion, Obaseki stressed that MOWAA is not personally his project, but he believes in supporting initiatives that contribute to the economic growth of Edo State. He asserted that government funding alone cannot develop a state, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and investment in cultural projects.
