Restoring the Royal Legacy: Governor Okpebholo Returns Cultural Assets to Oba of Benin, Unveils Free Healthcare for Edo People
In a landmark move celebrating and protecting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom, the Edo State Government has officially returned the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWA) and the iconic Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre to the custodian of Benin traditions, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II. Alongside this historic restoration of royal stewardship, the administration has launched a state-wide free malaria testing and treatment initiative across all public health facilities.
The dual policy announcements were made during the state government’s monthly press briefing in Benin City, signaling a strong alignment between healthcare delivery and the preservation of Edo’s sacred traditions.
Preserving Benin’s Sacred Heritage and Royal Custodianship
Highlighting the historic decision, Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chris Okaeben, confirmed that handed-over assets will be aligned directly with the preservation of Benin’s ancient legacy. As part of this cultural restoration, the museum facility—previously designated as the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)—reverts to its proud original identity as the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWA) under the lineage of the Benin Royal Court.
Clarifying the administration’s investment in preserving local heritage, Okaeben noted that while the European Union provided a supporting grant, the Edo State Government allocated the land and directly invested ₦3.8 billion to ensure the museum fulfills its true purpose as a Benin Royal Museum.
To further elevate Edo’s global cultural presence and tourism appeal, the ministry announced several key initiatives:
- Edo Carnival: Scheduled for December to foster unity and display the vibrant arts and traditions of the Edo people.
- Heritage Site Preservation: Active partnerships with global investors to restore historical monuments, including the majestic Benin Moat (Iya), one of the world’s largest man-made earthworks.
- Tourism Standardization: Grading hotels state-wide to ensure world-class hospitality for cultural tourists visiting the kingdom.
Safeguarding the Health of the Kingdom’s People
In tandem with these cultural achievements, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, disclosed a comprehensive public health package designed to protect the wellbeing of all Edo residents.
Key health interventions include:
- Free Malaria Care: Complete free testing and treatment in all state-owned hospitals for a two-year period to eliminate financial barriers to basic healthcare.
- Infrastructure Revitalisation: Renovations completed across 65 Primary Health Centres in all 18 Local Government Areas, 35 secondary healthcare facilities, and the long-dormant Eneghede General Hospital.
- Workforce Expansion: Recruitment of roughly 1,000 healthcare professionals alongside stricter enforcement against fake drugs, quackery, and substandard clinics.
By prioritizing royal custodianship over historic art assets while simultaneously uplifting public health, the Okpebholo administration reinforces a governance model rooted in traditional honor, community wellbeing, and cultural pride.
