Edo State has invested a total of N3.8 billion in the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), according to a report submitted by a special committee led by former governor Adams Oshiomhole. The committee was tasked with verifying the ownership status of the museum, which has been a subject of contention in recent years.

The report, presented to the Edo State Government, highlighted that the funds spent were sourced from taxpayers' money during the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki. Oshiomhole noted that the museum underwent several name changes, which he attributed to personal interests rather than public benefit. He stated that the museum was initially named the Edo Museum of West Africa Art (EMOWA) before being renamed MOWAA.

Oshiomhole explained that the Edo State Government had raised N800 million in seed funding, alongside significant donations from international partners, including a €4 million contribution from the German government and $1.5 million from the Leventis Foundation. In a last-minute move, just days before the end of Obaseki's tenure, the governor approved an additional N1 billion, bringing the total expenditure to N3.8 billion.

The committee's investigation revealed discrepancies in the claims made by MOWAA management, which had reported receiving over $18 million for land acquisition and archaeological efforts. Oshiomhole asserted that these claims were unfounded and recommended that the facility should not be demolished but rather renamed to reflect its true ownership. He proposed that the museum be renamed the Benin Royal Museum of Africa Art and be managed by the Oba of Benin, emphasizing that the monarchy would provide better protection for the artefacts.

In response to the report, Governor Monday Okpebholo praised the committee's thorough work and committed to implementing its recommendations. He indicated plans to establish another committee to develop a white paper on the issue, which will work with the Ministry of Justice to ensure the recommendations are formally adopted.

The ownership of MOWAA has been a contentious issue, particularly since the emergence of the current administration. The state government asserts that the land and funds for the museum were provided by the state, warranting its management by the Oba of Benin. However, the previous administration has maintained that MOWAA is a private entity.

Tensions surrounding the museum escalated in November 2025 when residents and cultural groups in Benin City protested against the institution, claiming it undermined the authority of the Benin Royal Palace. The protests led to the indefinite suspension of the museum's preview opening, as demonstrators accused MOWAA of attempting to control the returned artefacts and the Benin Bronzes without proper deference to the Oba of Benin.