By joshua 
MOWAA Crisis : Stay Away From Our Heritage, Group Tells Minister of Arts And Culture
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, AMW, has cautioned
Nigeria’s Minister of Art and Culture, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, against overstepping her boundaries” in the ongoing controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).
In the statement signed by the group’s President, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, and Secretary-General, Mr. Osayuki-Osa Benson, the organization condemned the Minister’s comments regarding the “aborted opening” of MOWAA, which they described as a “dubious project.”
According to the movement, the campaign for the repatriation of stolen Benin artefacts was not initiated by former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, but rather by successive Benin monarchs, Oba Akenzua II, Oba Erediauwa, and the current Oba Ewuare II, who have long championed the return and proper custody of the sacred artefacts.
The group reiterated that the Benin Royal Museum was conceived as a Benin Royal Palace project, not a state or private initiative. They accused former Governor Obaseki of hijacking the restitution process to create MOWAA, allegedly using public and heritage funds to promote what they called his “private museum venture.”
“We ask the Minister of Art and Culture: Is MOWAA a Federal Government asset? If not, why are you crying more than the bereaved?” the statement queried.
“Aiguobasinmwin Movement Accuses Minister of Arts and Culture of Meddling in Benin Artefacts Restitution, Calls on President Tinubu to Intervene”.
The group further alleged that funds meant for the Benin Royal Museum were diverted for MOWAA’s construction, calling the project a “fraudulent scheme” that disrespects the Benin heritage and the Oba’s authority.
They also claimed the Minister’s defense of MOWAA suggests “a financial relationship” with the former governor, warning that such interference could “ignite unrest” in the Benin Kingdom.
“We call on President Bola Tinubu to call the Minister to order and prevent an impending crisis in Benin. Our hospitality should not be mistaken for weakness,” the statement cautioned.
The Aiguobasinmwin Movement concluded with a rallying cry in defense of Benin’s cultural identity, “Aiguobasinmwin Artefacts! Aiguobasinmwin Museum!! Aiguobasinmwin Edo!!!”