Benin Groups Task Okpebholo on Perceived ‘Unfair Treatment’, Supervision of Edo Carnival, Ijaw Threats
Secretary to Edo State Government, Ikilor and members of Aiguobasinmwin World-Wide
By Arit Mbeh
Benin City, July 8, 2026 — The Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide and the Coalition of Benin Socio-Cultural Organizations have called for stronger collaboration with the Edo State Government while raising concerns over issues affecting the interest of Benin people and the Kingdom—including cultural heritage, empowerment, and the enforcement of a Supreme Court judgment on riverine areas in Edo South.
The demands were presented during a joint strategic meeting with the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Barrister Musa Ikhilor, held on Wednesday 8 July, 2026 in Benin City.
According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, and sighted by Midwest Herald, the groups expressed concern over what they described as the “unfair treatment” of the Benin people under the current administration. They also urged the state government to repossess the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), alleging that the facility was established under “suspicious circumstances.”
The groups further appealed to the government to empower individuals and organizations they described as having made significant sacrifices toward the emergence of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
They also called for the immediate renovation of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre and advocated stronger collaboration between their organizations and the state government.
On cultural matters, the groups urged the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Hub to oversee all programmes showcasing Edo’s cultural heritage, including the Edo Carnival, which they described as controversial.
Another major issue raised was the enforcement of the 1983 Supreme Court judgment affirming ownership rights over riverine areas in Ovia North East, Ovia South West, and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Areas in favour of the Benin Royal Palace.
Despite their concerns, the organizations commended the Edo State Government for improvements in security across the state and for fulfilling campaign promises relating to the return of looted Benin artefacts to the Oba’s Palace.
Responding, the SSG, Barrister Ikhilor, acknowledged the contributions of both groups to the emergence of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration and assured them that their concerns would receive prompt attention.
On the issue of the Edo Carnival, Ikhilor invited the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Hub, who attended the meeting, to respond. The commissioner pledged to convene a broad stakeholders’ meeting to address the concerns raised by the groups and other interested parties.
Addressing the 1983 Supreme Court judgment, the SSG stated that the ruling remains binding and cannot be overturned, stressing that it should be fully enforced.
He also disclosed that plans to renovate the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre were already underway.
In his closing remarks, Ikhilor assured the delegation that the state government would examine all the issues presented and emphasized the importance of sustained engagement and stronger cooperation between the government and Benin socio-cultural organizations.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the President of Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, and the Coordinator-General of the Coalition of Benin Socio-Cultural Organizations, Mr. Osazee Edobor.
