October 22, (THEWILL) — Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has cautioned the management of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) against further encroachment on land belonging to the Edo State Specialist Hospital, warning that government assets are not up for grabs.
The governor issued the warning on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the MOWAA project site at King’s Square, Benin City, where he vowed that his administration would not allow any public property to be taken over under any guise.
Okpebholo, who was conducted around the site by MOWAA’s Executive Director, Mr Philip Iheanacho, said the visit was aimed at obtaining firsthand information on the project’s boundaries and ensuring a clear demarcation between the museum and the hospital.
Expressing displeasure over what he described as “unacceptable encroachment,” the governor said the development could hinder the hospital’s future expansion.
“We are here to inspect the land occupied by MOWAA and that of the Edo Specialist Hospital. The hospital has existed for over 90 years, while MOWAA is a recent development. What we are witnessing is like a tenant attempting to drive a landlord out of his own property,” Okpebholo said.
He added that the Edo Specialist Hospital is a vital public institution that must be protected from any form of interference.
“My responsibility as governor is to safeguard what belongs to Edo people. We have shown MOWAA the boundaries of their allocation, and they must strictly adhere to it.
“The hospital’s facilities, including doctors’ quarters, emergency wards, and the mortuary, were displaced without replacement, and that is unacceptable,” he added.
The governor directed that a proper boundary demarcation be established between both properties to prevent future disputes.
He, however, reaffirmed his administration’s support for cultural and creative investments, provided they do not compromise essential public services.
The MOWAA project, initiated under the former administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, has recently come under scrutiny following public outcry over alleged encroachment on the hospital’s land.
In his response, MOWAA’s Executive Director, Mr Philip Iheanacho, acknowledged the governor’s concerns, clarifying that the project was being executed based on a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) issued by the previous government.
“We are in the first phase of a two-phase museum development project, and we appreciate the support of the new administration. Our plans were drawn from the C of O issued to us earlier, but we are in discussions with the state government to reassess the boundaries to ensure no encroachment occurs on either side,” Iheanacho explained.
He assured that MOWAA remains committed to working harmoniously with the Edo State Government to resolve the matter and ensure all legal and community considerations are respected.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting investment and cultural development, but not at the expense of public welfare.
“We will continue to encourage investments and cultural advancement, but Edo people’s property and institutions must be protected. Governance must balance progress with fairness,” he stated.
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