Edo Governor Okpebholo revokes MOWAA land and orders Benin Central Hospital restoration, preserving heritage and public interest in Benin City.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially approved the Benin Central Hospital restoration, revoking the Right of Occupancy previously granted to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
This decisive action emphasizes the current government’s commitment to preserving Edo State heritage and restoring essential public infrastructure.
The official statement, personally signed by Governor Okpebholo and dated October 21, 2025, was released on Monday in Benin City.
The governor stated that the Benin Central Hospital restoration and MOWAA land revocation were carried out “in the overriding public interest,” citing powers vested in him under Sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978, now codified as the Land Use Act.
In the statement titled “Land Use Decree 1978: Revocation of Statutory Rights of Occupancy Pursuant to Sections 28 and 38,” the governor confirmed that the land previously allocated to the Edo Museum of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE will now return to its original purpose as the historic Benin Central Hospital.
This institution had served the people of Benin City for over a century, providing critical medical services before it was demolished to accommodate the museum project.
The statement reads in part: “Notice is hereby given that in exercise of the power conferred upon me by Sections 28 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978, and by virtue of all other laws enabling me on that behalf, I, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State of Nigeria, hereby revoke the Statutory Rights of Occupancy granted to Edo Museum of West African Art Trust (EMOWAA) Ltd/GTE for overriding public interest.”
Governor Okpebholo provided further details, noting that the reclaimed land, identified as Digital Plot No. 61977, Zone HI/A12/Ogboka, in Oredo Local Government Area, spans approximately 6.210 hectares.
The property boundaries are recorded in the survey attached to the Certificate of Occupancy dated November 28, 2022, and registered as No. 169 at page 3 in Volume 45 of the EDOGIS Land Registry, Benin City.
The Benin Central Hospital restoration is widely viewed as a victory for heritage advocates, residents, and the Benin Royal Palace, who had criticized the demolition of the historic hospital and the sidelining of traditional authorities in the previous museum project.
The revocation of MOWAA land reflects a strategic effort to balance cultural development with public welfare.
Weeks before the announcement, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, had accused former Governor Obaseki of diverting donor funds and altering the original plans for the Benin Royal Museum without palace approval.
The Oba described these actions as a breach of trust, suggesting that the Legacy Restoration Trust—a private entity managing the museum—was attempting to “mortgage” the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artifacts.
Governor Okpebholo’s action has been lauded as a landmark decision for Edo State heritage. By reclaiming the land, the government not only facilitates the Benin Central Hospital restoration but also ensures that future development projects respect the city’s historical significance and community interests. Heritage advocates see this as an important precedent for integrating cultural preservation into urban planning decisions.
The governor emphasized that the restoration of the hospital will be carried out in consultation with the Benin Royal Palace, medical professionals, and urban planning experts.
The goal is to rebuild the hospital to meet modern healthcare standards while preserving its historical and cultural significance. This approach ensures that Edo State residents will benefit from improved healthcare services, while the state’s heritage is safeguarded.
Residents of Benin City have welcomed the governor’s decision, recalling the Central Hospital’s vital role in the community. The Benin Central Hospital restoration is expected to increase healthcare capacity in the city and provide a model for balancing public health needs with cultural and historical preservation.
The revocation of MOWAA land also sends a message to private developers and institutions that public interest and heritage considerations will guide Edo State’s urban planning decisions.
While the museum project remains important for cultural promotion, Governor Okpebholo clarified that such initiatives cannot compromise historic sites or essential public infrastructure.
Edo State Government officials highlighted that the Benin Central Hospital restoration aligns with broader public welfare objectives, particularly in healthcare access, heritage protection, and community participation.
The government plans to ensure that the project engages local stakeholders and integrates traditional knowledge and historical expertise into its redevelopment plans.
This decision may influence other heritage and urban development initiatives across the state. By prioritizing the Benin Central Hospital restoration, the governor underscores the importance of consulting communities and traditional authorities before implementing projects that affect historic or public sites.
Governor Okpebholo’s approval of the Benin Central Hospital restoration and the revocation of MOWAA land represent a bold step toward reconciling Edo State’s development with cultural preservation.
The initiative restores a historic medical institution, safeguards the city’s heritage, and demonstrates the government’s commitment to public interest, accountability, and community engagement.
More news at ireport247news
