Residents of Edo State on Wednesday protested alleged diversion of budgeted funds meant for the proposed Benin Royal Museum by past administration of Godwin Obaseki in Benin City, the State Capital.
The peaceful protesters stormed the Edo State Government House, the State House of Assembly and the Oba of Benin palace with placards depicting their agitations in honour of Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin.
Various pro-Benin socio cultural and traditional groups, including youths, women and Chiefs, chanted solidarity songs in defence of Edo heritage and its culture.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Osazee Amas Edobor and Osaro Culture Iyamu, who appealed to the Oba of Benin to urgently intervene and vowed to resist the soon to be commissioned Museum of West African Art, MOWAA in Benin, called for stoppage of the project commissioning, pending the outcome of the probe by the State legislature and the federal government.
Also, speaking on behalf of market women, Mrs
Ekhuemuenogiemwen Mary Odia, said Edo people deserve to know why tax-payers money was spent on MOWAA by the last administration of Obaseki whom she alleged had approved the Benin Royal Museum to house all repatriated Benin artefacts which he travelled round the world to solicit funds, which was allegedly diverted for MOWAA project to the surprise of everyone.
“Certain things became awry when Obaseki started travelling around the world, soliciting funds and support for Benin royal museum. But to our surprise he made a U-turn. We want to know how the money was spent”, she said. Moreso, “we are aware that a non-indigene is behind MOWAA”.
Addressing the protesters on behalf of Oba of Benin palace, Chief Isaac Oghafua Oyeoba, the Oyeoba of Benin, who was joined by other Chiefs, expressed concern over allegations, noting that anyone who takes what is meant for Oba of Benin is doomed.
While urging the protesters to remain lawful without letting down their guard and remain persistent in defending Edo heritage and culture, Chief Oyeoba insisted that the Benin throne won’t spare anyone or group of people who are determined to destabilize Edo State.
Earlier at the Government House, Governor Monday Okpebholo assured the protesters that their concerns are being investigated by the State House of Assembly where the majority leader of the House, Jonathan Aigbokhan also addressed them.
