An Edo State global think tank group, Edo Global Professionals, EGP and Friends of Edo State worldwide are glad that the Executive Governor of Edo, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the revered Oba of Benin His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II and the team of stakeholder foreign envoy inclusive of the Ambassadors of the EU, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium have demonstrated that diplomacy and truth can solve disputes. The EGP is made up of core professionals of Edo state extraction from over 50 countries across Europe, America, Middle East and Asia.

The group reiterates that a society cannot make true progress if it keeps putting the cart before the horse. Such a society will only end up making ‘motions without movement’. The group posits that so-called MOWAA museum of this magnitude cannot be birthed when the main custodian of the history and heritage of the people being showcased is undermined on the altar of greed and personal interests. The group also flays the organisers of the fathom pre-launch or dubious commissioning last Sunday, 9th November 2025, in Benin City, for also undermining the Edo State Government. They describe the shady gathering at the site as an aberration.

Putting the ensuing events in perspective, the group recalled that the push for the return of stolen Benin artefacts has been on the front burner since the reign of Oba Akenzua II, and Oba Erediauwa. His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II continued the diplomatic push on ascending the throne in October 2016. Ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki came into office in November 2016, and the revered monarch spoke with the then-Governor about the artefacts and the Benin Royal Museum.

In the full glare of the watching world, in 2018, Godwin Obaseki spoke ‘eloquently’ albeit deceitfully that the project, BENIN ROYAL MUSEUM, BRM, (video is trending) will be built between 2018 to 2021 (in 3 years). He even stated it will be a birthday gift for the King on 20th October 2021. Then came donors from Europe and other organisations, and greed set in. The project became EMOWAA - Edo Museum of West Africa Arts. Shortly after, the Edo was yanked off, and the name became MOWAA. As if that was not enough, a dodgy ‘Legacy Trust’ made up of cronies of the ex-governor was constituted. The ex-governor enjoyed power, and no one could challenge him. Again, the earlier Benin Dialogue Group, BDG, was yanked off.

The group further opine that a society cannot build something on nothing. There is a natural order in governance and leadership. It is clear to all discerning minds that the ex-governor, Obaseki, lacks people-management skills. His relationship currency is 0%; hence, his inability to carry others along. This explains the numerous fights he had with those around him. Any path he trod, he leaves a trail of animosity behind. The records are there. Who did Godwin Obaseki not fight? The furore over the museum wouldn’t have happened if the former governor had done the needful - simply carry all critical stakeholders along and not be high-handed, arrogant and self-serving. Can a museum of this magnitude be truly launched if the revered Oba is not present? Can it come on board if the current state government is not there? Merely bringing some Europeans for a pseudo commissioning will not cut it. It was mere optics.

In all, the group surmised, “the citadel of cultural civilisation has demonstrated how respect for our cultural heritage as Edo State people must dovetail into sustainable development in this 21st century”. The group commends His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II for his unwavering commitment to actualise the Benin Royal Museum as originally conceived. The foreign diplomats have also displayed respect for the dignity and cultural leanings of our people. “We cannot but thank the Governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for midwifing the process". The Edo Global Professionals, EGP also congratulate His Excellency, Gov. Monday Okpebholo, on his one year in office and pray for God’s continuous wisdom, guidance and strength for him and his team. Indeed, a New Edo State Has Risen!

God bless Edo State. Oba gha tor… Okpere, Iseeeee!!!

Signed:

Kamar Usman

PRO, Edo Global Professionals

Houston, Texas USA

13th Nov. 2025