By Raphael Okhiria

The Benin Royal Father, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, UK Akpolokpolor, Oba Ewuare II, has likened the behaviour of the immediate past governor of Edo state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to that of Adolf Hitler, on matters relating to artifacts and the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA).

The Oba stated that the former governor attempted to mortgage the heritage of the Benin Throne by secretly replacing the Benin Royal Museum project with the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

Oba Ewuare II, disclosed this on Monday at his palace when he played host to the European Union Envoys who paid him a courtesy visit.

The first-class royal father alleged that the actions of the former administration mirrored the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom.

According to the monarch, Obaseki’s administration allegedly collected funds from international donors, including the German Government, under the guise of building the Benin Royal Museum, but later changed the name and structure without royal consent.

“That video says it all. He collected money for the Benin Royal Museum — why the change to MOWAA”, the Oba questioned

The royal father disclosed that the former governor established a Legacy Restoration Trust to seize control of the Benin Bronzes and heritage from the palace.

“They brought me a document to sign to relinquish our rights. I refused. If I had signed, I would have mortgaged my ancestors’ legacy. Obaseki got angry because I said no.

“He was always angry with my people. He demolished homes and oppressed the Benin. You know how Hitler ruled your country; one could even liken him to almost a Hitler of the Benin Kingdom.

“These artefacts belong to my forefathers. The palace was larger than what you see today. Even Wikipedia records that fact”, the Oba added.

He said the palace had already briefed a previous German delegation on the truth about the museum project and urged the European Envoys to watch the video of their earlier visit.

The monarch revealed that the Benin Palace once extended to the present-day Government House, stressing that the artefacts in question were looted from his ancestors.

Oba Ewuare commended the Netherlands Government for returning over 150 artefacts to Benin and urged the Germans to uphold justice and transparency.

“Europeans are fair people. Please, don’t let anyone deceive you. The powers that were here used government authority to cheat you and cheat us.

He lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for taking steps to correct past wrongs, saying that the new administration had set up a committee to investigate the MOWAA controversy.

“Please cooperate with our governor. He will uncover everything. I have left it all to him and to God Almighty.

“I look forward to receiving you again, Madam Ambassador, under happier circumstances. Let justice prevail so that our heritage and dignity can be restored”.

But addressing journalists shortly after the visit, the European Union Ambassador, Gautier Mignot, disclosed that the visit was to pay homage to the Oba and strengthen ties with Edo State.

He said “We discussed the MOWAA project and the recent misunderstandings. We shared views in a spirit of dialogue and partnership”.

He clarified that while the European Union has no direct investment in MOWAA, some member states, including Germany, are involved.

Also speaking, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Annett Günther, hailed the governor and the Oba for their hospitality, reaffirming Germany’s long-standing partnership with the state in migration management, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.

“Our cooperation extends to the return of over 1,200 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. But MOWAA can only thrive in a peaceful and transparent environment”, said.

In his remarks, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, expressed shock over the visit of foreign envoy to the State for activities related to MOWAA, saying that he was not informed of their presence in the state.

Governor Okpebholo described the development as another example of the “lack of transparency” that has surrounded the MOWAA project since its inception.

“We are here with the European and German Ambassadors, and their colleagues from the Netherlands and Belgium, to see His Royal Majesty,”

“They have spoken about areas of collaboration and also about what happened yesterday. Honestly, I wasn’t aware that such a gathering was going to take place; that’s the truth. However, we have spoken with the Oba and gotten his side of the story.”