MOWAA Breaks Silence: ‘We’re Not At War With The Oba Of Benin’

According to Ireporter Online, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has clarified that it is not engaged in any form of conflict with the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II. The organisation emphasized that it has never attempted to intrude on the traditional authority or jurisdiction of the Benin monarch.

MOWAA’s counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, made the clarification in Benin City after a court session involving a suit filed by Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, alongside the Ogbakha-Edo and Aiguobasimwin Movement. The claimants are seeking legal intervention to stop what they described as actions capable of weakening the sacred authority of the Oba of Benin.

Afolabi stated that the defence team has filed a preliminary objection, arguing that Chief Idah does not have the legal standing to initiate the case. He added that a counter-affidavit has been submitted, reiterating that MOWAA is not opposed to the Oba or his authority.

He explained that due to the sensitivity of the matter and its potential impact on the interests of the Benin people, lawyers from both sides agreed to explore ways to resolve outstanding issues amicably before returning to court in February.

Addressing concerns about MOWAA’s refusal to appear before the Edo State House of Assembly Investigative Committee, Afolabi said that ongoing court proceedings take precedence over legislative recommendations. He noted that the principle of separation of powers prevents the Assembly from deliberating on matters already before a court, stressing that MOWAA cannot be compelled to appear before a legislative panel while the case is active.

Afolabi maintained that while the Assembly may issue recommendations, their conclusions remain subject to judicial authority. He added that resolving the matter peacefully is in the best interest of the state, noting that the multi-million-dollar MOWAA project is intended to benefit the entire Edo community.