By Favour Osazuwa
A committee set up by the Edo State Government to investigate the Museum of West African Art, MOWAA, has recommended that the facility be renamed and handed over to the Oba of Benin for management.
The committee, chaired by former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, says about 3.8 billion naira in public funds was committed to the museum project.
According to the panel, the amount included an additional one billion naira released shortly before the end of the previous administration.
The committee reviewed the development of the project from the proposed Benin Royal Museum to the Edo Museum of West African Art and subsequently MOWAA.
Rather than demolishing the facility, the panel recommended that it be renamed the Benin Royal Museum of African Art and returned to the Oba of Benin for management.
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Governor Monday Okpebholo, while receiving the report, commended the committee for its work.
The governor says the recommendations will undergo further review, with another committee expected to work alongside the Ministry of Justice to prepare a White Paper on the findings.
The process is expected to determine the future ownership and management of the museum, as well as its role in preserving and displaying the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
