Edo State Governor Revokes MOWAA’s Certificate of Occupancy to Restore Site for Central Hospital
Governor Monday Okpebholo has annulled the Certificate of Occupancy previously granted to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) by the former administration of Godwin Obaseki, citing the “overriding public interest” of reinstating the land for the development of the Benin Central Hospital. The revocation was effected under Sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Act (formerly Decree 6 of 1978).
Governor Okpebholo’s directive, dated 21 October 2025, states that the land in question, originally allocated to the Edo Museum of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE, will be reclaimed and returned to its designated public-health use. By invoking the Land Use Act provisions that allow governments to reclaim land in the public interest, the state aims to align land use with strategic infrastructure needs.
The governor emphasized that the restoration of the site for the Benin Central Hospital underscores the administration’s priority of improving healthcare infrastructure, especially in densely populated urban areas that require modern facilities.
MOWAA Responds and Issues Clarification
In response to the revocation, MOWAA stated through its Director, Mr Phillip Ihenacho, addressing allegations that it had misrepresented itself as the “Benin Royal Museum” to secure funding. The museum clarified it remains committed to the cultural mission of preserving West African heritage and reiterated its respect for Oba Ewuare II, the traditional ruler of Benin.
The institution’s Director of the MOWAA Institute, Ms Ore Disu, affirmed that the organization continues cultural projects and urged donor organizations to verify claims directly. MOWAA maintained that it never claimed the status of the royal museum and remains committed to working with Benin’s monarchy and the state government.
Implications for Land Use, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy
The revocation signals a broader policy focus by the Edo State Government on aligning land allocations with public-infrastructure imperatives, including healthcare and urban renewal. Analysts note that such decisions may set precedents for how states repurpose land initially granted for cultural or private development when strategic public-service needs emerge.
For investors and urban-development stakeholders, the move underscores the need to assess land-use security and potential government reversion risks when acquiring or developing property, particularly in jurisdictions where public-interest reclamation powers exist. Due diligence on title status, government development plans, and reversion clauses becomes critical.
Conclusion
By revoking MOWAA’s Certificate of Occupancy and restoring the site for Benin Central Hospital, Edo State has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic infrastructure delivery and public-interest land use. While cultural institutions may raise concerns about tenure certainty, the state’s decision highlights the balancing act between heritage initiatives and essential service provision. Stakeholders will monitor how the next phases of hospital development proceed and whether compensatory mechanisms or relocation options for the museum are pursued.
