The Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, has condemned the violent disruption at the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin City, describing it as a national embarrassment allegedly orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state.
In an interview withARISE News on Tuesday, Ifaluyi-Isibor said it was shocking that such barbarism could be perpetrated in the heart of the ancient Benin Kingdom, an area known globally for its rich history and civilisation.
“It was shocking to Nigerians that such a lofty idea that was supposed to elevate the Benin Kingdom and paint us in the light that we deserve to be painted was tarnished by a set of hooligans who perpetrated such barbarism to bring embarrassment to the Benin Kingdom and to the Nigerian people,” he said.
He dismissed reports suggesting a dispute between former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Oba of Benin, stating emphatically that no such conflict exists.
“The Oba of Benin is a father to all, and we cannot have disputes with our king. At the beginning of the reporting, it was said that the protesters were loyal to the Oba of Benin — that information we do not have. The Oba of Benin cannot be behind hoodlums acting in such a manner. We are suspecting that the APC government is behind it, because when it comes to secrecy and barbarism, that’s what the APC is known for.”
He described the invasion of the museum as a calculated act of sabotage.
“We condemn in very strong terms what happened two days ago at the Museum of West African Arts, where derelicts and mental hobos invaded the museum, terrorising our guests who had come from all around the world to enjoy the splendour of West African arts. It was an embarrassment of gigantic proportion. The entire world is laughing at us and making a mockery of us, because the Benin Kingdom has always been known as a decent kingdom of warriors who defeated nations in the past. How come a few misguided individuals have reduced the image of the Benin Kingdom to such disrepute?”
Ifaluyi-Isibor also aligned with the position of Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who condemned the attack and warned that it endangered Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“I share her views, and that’s the view of many decent Nigerians who feel very upset that such foolishness could be perpetrated in the Benin Kingdom. We hold the government responsible for this, because when ambassadors visit a state, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that they are protected. These ambassadors had notified the governor weeks before they came. The governor cannot lie that he didn’t know they were coming.”
He accused Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration of “petty politics” and urged him to focus on governance rather than vendettas against his predecessor.
“I want to appeal to the governor to rise above this pettiness. Let us reduce this lack of hygiene in our politics so that Edo people can enjoy real governance.”
Clarifying misinformation about the artefacts, he explained the distinction between the *Benin Royal Museum and the Museum of West African Arts.
“The Benin Royal Museum was to house the returned artefacts — 26 from France in 2021, over 1,130 from Germany in 2022, and about 130 from the Netherlands in June 2025. It was to be built by the federal government and funded through public grants. On the other hand, the Museum of West African Arts was a private initiative supported by the Mellon and Ford Foundations to showcase the art of West Africa — not just Benin.”
He dismissed claims that the Museum of West African Arts had raised funds by falsely claiming ownership of the Benin Bronzes.
“That suspicion is false. The EU ambassador told the government clearly that all the money donated to MOWAA was for its own purpose and not for the Benin Royal Museum. There has never been financial compensation for the return of artefacts anywhere in the world. The suggestion that these artefacts came with money is misguided.”
Ifaluyi-Isibor further accused the APC-led government of exploiting the situation to discredit projects established by former Governor Obaseki.
“Since Governor Okpebholo came into office, there has been a sustained attack on everything Obaseki built — from Ossiomo Power to the Radisson Hotel, the Specialist Hospital, and now MOWAA. The governor has been so jealous of what the PDP achieved that his target in the first year was to destroy it all.”
He condemned the alleged revocation of the museum’s land title, warning that such a move would destroy jobs and economic prospects for Edo youth.
“MOWAA had the capacity to create 25,000 jobs directly and indirectly. You cannot revoke that land and put thousands of Edo people out of work because of petty politics. Governor Obaseki ran the state well and has moved on. Do your part and let the people judge.”
Calling for presidential intervention, the PDP official appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the controversy is resolved in the interest of Edo’s cultural and economic development.
“I want to appeal to Mr President to look into this issue dispassionately. Let us consider the millions of Edo people affected and the number of jobs MOWAA was meant to provide. Let us put aside politics and focus on the development of Edo State.”
Ifaluyi-Isibor concluded by urging dialogue between the Benin Royal Museum and the Museum of West African Arts to achieve a “win-win” solution for the preservation of Benin’s cultural legacy and the promotion of the region’s art industry.
Boluwatife Enome
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