The Edo State Government has announced plans to reconstruct the historic Central Hospital in Benin City, reclaiming land previously ceded to the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA). The hospital was controversially demolished under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, with MOWAA established in its place.
At a press briefing in Benin, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, revealed that Governor Monday Okpebholo prioritized healthcare over cultural infrastructure, emphasizing that access to medical care must precede museum visits.
“It is only when people are healthy that they can go to a museum to admire artifacts,” Afegbua stated.
He disclosed that the government had considered demolishing the entire MOWAA structure but opted for a compromise due to the state’s N3 billion investment in the project. The government has now curtailed MOWAA’s expansion and marked out boundaries to ensure compliance with the governor’s directive.
Afegbua also expressed concerns over the museum’s rebranding from EMOWAA (Edo Museum of West African Arts) to MOWAA, interpreting the removal of “Edo” as a slight against the state’s cultural heritage and the legacy of the ancient Benin Empire.
“Removing the ‘E’ was where our suspicion began. Their explanation that ‘Edo’ wasn’t marketable was unacceptable,” he said.
Despite the controversy, the commissioner acknowledged the potential tourism benefits of MOWAA but reiterated that healthcare delivery remains the administration’s top priority. Governor Okpebholo is determined to restore the Central Hospital and ensure residents have access to essential medical services.
The move signals a balancing act between cultural preservation and public health, as the state government seeks to honor its past while securing the wellbeing of its citizens.
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