The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Niger Delta remains Nigeria’s hidden treasure – Adebayo

    Niger Delta remains Nigeria’s hidden treasure – Adebayo

    Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the Niger Delta region as Nigeria’s “hidden treasure,” lamenting decades of underdevelopment and poor leadership that have left its vast resources largely untapped.

    Adebayo made the remarks on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of The Hidden Treasures: An Exposition on the Rich Resources and Opportunities of the Niger Delta, authored by Deacon Chris Iyovwaye.

    He emphasised that “if there is no Niger Delta, there is no Nigeria,” noting that the region is endowed with abundant natural and human resources that require deliberate effort to harness.

    “The truth is, every part of the Niger Delta is brimming with human, material, liquid, and solid resources. For anyone from the Niger Delta, it is impossible to be poor in that paradise,” Adebayo said. He added that the region’s wealth surpasses all the productivity of the United States from 1776 to date, highlighting its immense untapped potential.

    The former presidential hopeful, who served as the chief launcher of the book, outlined three key pathways to unlocking the Niger Delta’s potential: individual initiative, community action, and government intervention. He cautioned against leaders prioritizing surface wealth, rent-seeking, or transferring national assets to foreign interests.

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    Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and chairman of the event, urged Nigeria to embrace restructuring, noting that all regions possess resources to sustain themselves and should invest in their economic potentials without delay.

    On insecurity, he called on Nigerians to support the armed forces in safeguarding the country, stressing their capability and commitment to national protection.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Mike Ogiadome, highlighted the need to promote development in the Niger Delta, describing it as the country’s economic hub. He also recommended the book to industrialists and foreign investors as a guide to the region’s opportunities.

    Human rights activist Prof. Mike Ozekhome, represented by Prof. Ezekiel Abalagba, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, praised the book as “an economic goldmine,” offering practical guidance for repositioning key sectors and implementing reforms.

    Ozekhome urged economic diversification beyond crude oil, advocating for investment in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, petrochemicals, and technology, emphasizing the need to shift from extractive dependence to productive ambition.

    In his remarks, the author of the book, Chris Iyovwaye, said the Niger Delta story has often been misrepresented.

    “This book explores the region’s vast potential, challenges of underdevelopment, and strategies for using its people and resources to drive national prosperity.

    “It offers insights to guide policymakers, investors, and communities toward unlocking the region’s hidden wealth”.

    Iyovwaye added that the book shares his inspiration and vision for a sustainable and prosperous Niger Delta.

  • Days after securing 20-year jail sentence, DSS arraigns two canvassing for coup

    Days after securing 20-year jail sentence, DSS arraigns two canvassing for coup

    Two days after securing the sentencing of a leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Hussaini Ismaila, to 20 years imprisonment for terrorism, the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday in Abuja arraigned the suspected mastermind of the 2012 attack on Deeper Life Bible Church, Okene, Kogi State, Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki. 

    The six count charge against Obadaki before a Federal High Court, include membership of a terrorist group, conspiracy, rendering assistance to acts of terrorism, concealment of information on activities of a terrorist group, and escape from lawful custody. 

    He pleaded guilty to count Six, which is escape from lawful custody. On the other five counts, however, he pleaded not guilty. 

    Following Obadaki’s plea, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to January 26, 2026, to enable the court review facts relating to the count he pleaded guilty to, and to hear those he pleaded not guilty to.

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    The court ordered that the suspect be remanded in the custody of the secret police until the next adjourned date.

    Also, on Thursday, the DSS arraigned a social media user, Innocent  Chukwuemeka, who used his “X” handle to canvass for a coup in Nigeria. He was slammed a six count charge bordering on false publication to cause public alarm and cyber stalking. 

    Following his not guilty plea, the court also fixed the 26 of January 2026 for hearing, whilst ordering that he be remanded in the custody of the DSS.

    Recall that after the Okene church attack, Obadaki was believed to have later led a gang that raided five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State, killed several persons, and carted away huge sums of cash.

    He, however, was trailed and arrested by security forces and remanded at the Kuje Prison but escaped shortly during the July 2022 jailbreak at the Kuje Custodial Centre.

    Security sources disclosed that the suspected terrorist leader confessed to orchestrating the Kuje Custodial Centre jailbreak following his transfer from Kabba Custodial Centre in June 2022.

  • Excessive use of telephone devices harmful to health, says QNET Nigeria chief

    Excessive use of telephone devices harmful to health, says QNET Nigeria chief

    Nigerians and telephone subscribers have been warned against excessive use of their telephone devices, especially following the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) technology by telecom companies in the country.

    According to the Regional Strategist and Marketing Manager for QNET Africa, Mr Bernie Gaksch, the deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria has made it imperative for telephone subscribers to use their devices responsibly for a healthy lifestyle.

    He noted that with the use of the telephone by children for school activities, games, and social interactions, it had become necessary for parents to pay attention to their children’s health.

    He added that telephone usage by subscribers has become ubiquitous, and so also the dangers to individual health due to radiation, heat, noise, and other pollutions.

    Gaksch said 15.6 billion connected telephone devices were being used across the world by subscribers with high exposures to radiation, noise, and other pollutants that are harmful to citizens’ health.

    However, data obtained by our Correspondent from the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, indicated that there were, as of September 2025, 173.4 million active telephone subscribers in the country.

    Gaksch therefore advised subscribers of connected devices to embrace the use of environment-friendly and innovative gadgets/devices that can mitigate the impacts of negative energies due to excessive use of telephones.

    Addressing news men at the presentation of QNET Products on usage of telephone devices at Belanova Hotels, Abuja, on Friday, Mr Gaksch cautioned subscribers against excessive usage of connected telephone devices, saying that in the era of 5G, they could cause headache, tiredness, depression, exhaustion, and low energy.

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    He explained that exposure to radiation, microwaves, and radio waves from connected devices could inflict health challenges on subscribers, but noted that such challenges would be mitigated with the use of different types of QNET Products to be introduced to the Nigerian markets.

    He listed the products as Amezcua chi pendant 4 for harmony, Amezcua bio disc 3 for energy, Amezcua bio light 3 for restoration, and Amezcua E-Guard for protection. He said the pendant could be worn by subscribers at all times, while others could be used on specifications, noting that all the products have received certifications from Nigeria’s regulatory authorities.

    He said, “QNET’s innovative, science-backed range of wellness products brought to you under the Amezcua brand, takes inspiration from nature’s intricate design quality to promote whole-body health for all families.”

    He further said the deployment of 5G technology comes with health implications, and it was necessary for subscribers to pay attention to such health issues as they use the telephone for social interactions, businesses, and other engagements.

    Mr Gaksch, who said some of the products have a life span of between 5 years and 30 years,   further noted that they were designed for a busy lifestyle, as digital innovative products to harmonise and energise, protect the body, and restore balance, as well as reconnecting telephone users with the rhythms of nature. 

  • Enugu rocks with laughter as Twin Parrot thrills fans at ‘Golden Time’ comedy show

    Enugu rocks with laughter as Twin Parrot thrills fans at ‘Golden Time’ comedy show

    Enugu came alive with laughter and high-energy entertainment on Saturday, November 15, 2025, as popular comedian Twin Parrot staged his much-anticipated show, “Golden Time,” at the Base Event Centre.

    The event drew thousands of comedy lovers from Enugu and neighbouring states, turning the venue into a buzzing hub of excitement.

    Fans cheered and roared as Twin Parrot delivered a series of back-to-back rib-cracking performances, supported by a lineup of guest comedians and entertainers who kept the crowd engaged throughout the night.

    Speaking after the show, Twin Parrot expressed heartfelt gratitude for the massive turnout.

    “Enugu showed me love beyond my expectations. Golden Time was a dream, and seeing this crowd tonight made it a reality. I’m grateful to everyone who came out,” he said.

    Attendees described the event as one of the biggest entertainment gatherings in Enugu this year, praising Twin Parrot’s energy, creativity, and unique ability to connect with his audience.

    Following the resounding success of “Golden Time,” industry observers say Twin Parrot has firmly established himself as one of Nigeria’s rising stars in stand-up comedy.

  • Only Nigerians can save the country, not Trump – Ex-Foreign Affairs Minister

    Only Nigerians can save the country, not Trump – Ex-Foreign Affairs Minister

    A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu has stressed that Nigeria’s current insecurity challenges can only be resolved by Nigerians themselves, not external powers such as the United States, despite President Donald Trump’s warning of possible military involvement in the country.

    Nwachukwu made the remarks on Friday in Abuja during the launch of the book “The Hidden Treasures in the Niger Delta” by Deacon Chris Iyovwaye.

    President Trump had threatened U.S. military intervention and the suspension of foreign aid if Nigeria continued “to allow the killing of Christians.”

    The Nigerian government, however, rejected the deployment of foreign troops, noting that external involvement could worsen the situation. Instead, it has sought targeted international support, including intelligence sharing and military equipment, to combat insecurity.

    The former military officer emphasised that the unwavering support of Nigerians for the nation’s armed forces is crucial in addressing security challenges.

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    “No other country can save us except ourselves. President Trump could well be doing what he’s doing to help us, to save our country, but he can’t save Nigeria; we Nigerians will save our country, with their support, of course. And God bless Nigeria,” Nwachukwu said.

    “Any time I read or hear news that our soldiers have been killed and our children have been kidnapped and so on and so forth, I want to tell you, it’s not because Nigerian soldiers are cowards.

    “We showed how courageous we are in the Second World War. We did in Liberia. We did it with our own country here, when we recovered Nigeria from breaking up between 1966 and 1970. We were in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Congo, Tanzania, Mozambique, the Maldives, and so on.

    “If we can do it in those areas, we can save our country. Support our military men and women. Give them the resources, give them the intelligence, and they would take away all this banditry and all this terrorism in no time.”

    Nwachukwu, who was also a former military Governor of Imo State, said that as a retired officer who had led me to battle, he knew that Nigerian soldiers were not cowards, but courageous men.

    “They can deal with this thing. They can deal with this thing. So please support them to do so.

    “Give them permission, give them the resources, and they will put to bed terrorism and insurgency in our country,” he said.

    In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mike Oghiadhome, said there was a need to harness the resources in the Niger Delta for proper fiscal development.

    He said there was a need for the Governors of the States in the Niger Delta region to take concrete actions for the development of the region.

    “Our advice on this occasion is to send a message to them that there is a need for action,” Jonathan said.

    “And that action can only be taken in practical terms. Not just saying it without showing the right political will. They should move further to create the investment vehicle that will detail out the investment opportunities and market those opportunities.

    “Set up a budget to market them across the states, across the region. The Niger Delta is supposed to be the economic hub for this country. It’s supposed to be home to the biggest seaports in this country.

    “Because we are the only area where you have a deep seaport. That should be deep enough. And from the Niger Delta, you can reach every part of this nation, particularly the North.”

    Deacon Iyovwaye said the book was not just a personal project, but a product of years of reflection, need, service, community engagement over the years, and a deep yearning to change the narrative of the Niger Delta region that has given so much to the country yet has received so little in return.

    He said, “For decades, the Niger Delta has been presented to the world through the lenses of conflict, degradation, and aggravation. While these things are real and must be acknowledged, they do not tell the complete story.

    “Beneath the surface of our cliffs, mangroves, rivers, and communities, our bodies are resilient, brilliant, innovative, and on top of potential. Before 1956, the mainstay of our economy was predominantly agricultural. And like most economies of the world today, agriculture remains relevant, and we understand.

    “In this book, The Hidden Treasures, I put together a compendium of my works and engagement in the business space for almost three decades. The Niger Delta, both in human and natural resources, is a gift to our world. And most of it remains untapped until tomorrow.”

  • Court shifts hearing to December 5 in trial of alleged UN House bombers Al‑Barnawi, others

    Court shifts hearing to December 5 in trial of alleged UN House bombers Al‑Barnawi, others

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has shifted the further hearing to December 5 in the trial of five individuals being tried over their alleged complicity in the bombing of the United Nations House in Abuja.

    The five terror suspects led by Khalid Al‑Barnawi are accused by DSS of being the masterminds of the August 26, 2011, bombing of the United Nations Complex in Abuja, in which 20 people were killed and more than 70 others injured.

    Captured in 2016, Al Barnawi is facing trial along with four other terror defendants – Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello aka Datti, Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu aka Bello Maishayi.

    The defendants are being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    On Friday, the court continued hearing in the trial-within-trial being conducted to ascertain the voluntariness or otherwise of the confessional statements made by some of the defendants.

    During Friday’s proceedings, video recordings of the statement-taking sessions, involving the affected defendants, were played in open court.

    The three video recordings were played by the prosecution as part of efforts to debunk the defendants’ claim that their statements were not made voluntarily.

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    The trial has been delayed for an extended period due to legal and procedural issues, including the suspects being occasionally brought to court without any counsel appearing for them.

    The DSS recently requested the court to grant an accelerated hearing in the case, a request the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, granted.

    During an earlier proceedings in another case, Justice Nwite delivered a ruling in which he admitted in evidence the extrajudicial statements made to the DSS by three other suspects, being tried for alleged terrorism offences.

    The defendants are being tried for allegedly spying on the US and Israel’s interests of individuals in Iran.

    Haruna Ali Abbas, Ibrahim Hussaini Musa, and Adam Sulaiman were accused of spying on the US and Israel’s interests for individuals in Iran.

    The case, which has been ongoing since 2014 and re-assigned multiple times, reached a point in August 2025 during a trial-within-trial to determine if the defendants’ alleged extra-judicial statements were made voluntarily or under duress

    The defendants claimed that they were coerced, harassed, and intimidated to make their statements, while the prosecution argued that the statements were made voluntarily and kept in a conducive atmosphere.

    The prosecution claimed that the accused persons read through the statements, through the cautionary words, and signed, hence, should be admitted in evidence.

    Justice Nwite, who ordered a trial within a trial, allowed both parties to call witnesses who gave evidence.

    The prosecution, which called three witnesses, said they conducted their operations within the best standard procedure, as they paid attention to the welfare of suspects in their custody in terms of food and medications, while also allowing them access to their families.

    The defendants, on the other hand, recounted their alleged torture in the DSS facility, alleging that they were beaten and given inhuman treatment.

    After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence counsel, Justice Nwite on Friday ruled that the defendant’s statements be admitted in evidence.

    The judge held that the prosecution, through the witnesses, proved to the court that they were not forced to make their statements.

    After admitting the statements, Justice Nwite adjourned further hearing till January 22, 2026.

  • 2027: APC state secretaries pass vote of confidence on Tinubu

    2027: APC state secretaries pass vote of confidence on Tinubu

    Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Forum of APC State Secretaries has expressed full confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praising his management of the country’s affairs.

    The announcement was made by the Forum’s Chairman and Nasarawa State Secretary, Yarius Gbeba Dagusa, following a key meeting of the group in Abuja on Friday.

    Dagusa commended the President for the administration’s achievements over the past two years, noting that Nigeria is on a steady path to progress and development.

    He highlighted key milestones, including economic reforms, currency stabilization, removal of the fuel subsidy, and the resultant increase in resources available to governments at all levels.

    “Nigeria achieved a record trade surplus of $14.31 billion in 2024, and the Central Bank of Nigeria reported a historic surplus of $6.83 billion. The 2025 statistics are even more promising,” Dagusa said. “Economic recovery and growth may be gradual, but it is steadily moving the country out of the challenges inherited by this administration. Better days are ahead for Nigeria.”

    He added, “Consequently, the forum has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his effective management of the country.”

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    Appreciating the President for his foresight and commitment, the state secretaries assured party leadership and members of their determination to advance both the party and the government.

    Dagusa urged all stakeholders to join hands with the President in strengthening the party and building a brighter future for Nigeria.

    “Together, let us work tirelessly to promote the ideals of democracy, transparency, and accountability,” he said.

    The forum also expressed concern over the state of insecurity, commiserating with families of victims of recent terror attacks, particularly the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

    The secretaries commended the Nigerian military and pledged their support for President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to tackle insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity in the country.

  • Osun 2026: APM fixes December 13 for guber primary

    Osun 2026: APM fixes December 13 for guber primary

    The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has fixed its Osun state governorship primary to pick its candidate for December 13, 2025.

    The state chairman of the party, Hon. Adewale Adebayo, in a statement on Friday, warned aspirants within the party against a campaign of calumny aimed at each other and urged them to uphold unity.

    He said, “We have fixed December 13, 2025, for the primary election of our great party. APM is committed to democratic principles; we promise that the process will be fair to all aspirants contesting for our gubernatorial ticket.”

    “Presently, we have six aspirants jostling for our governorship ticket, out of which one of them will emerge as our flag bearer on December 13. We are confident that whoever emerges as our flag bearer will win the gubernatorial seat; we will defeat the incumbent governor because our membership strength is the youth.

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    “Osun People are tired of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), even the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose part of its leadership is former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, have shown that they cannot rescue the state from its present maladministration.

    “We want to charge all our aspirants and members not to employ a campaign of calumny or hatred while canvassing for support ahead of the primary election. Our doors are open for willing residents and members who are disgruntled in APC, PDP, and ADC to join our party, so that together we can put Osun State in an enviable position among the comity of states.”

    “The party leaders are also enjoyed to woo more youths and elderly into our party, although during the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), we have registered thousands of new voters, but we must work on others who are not in our party to join the movement,” he ended 

  • Akpabio mourns Segun Awolowo

    Akpabio mourns Segun Awolowo

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Friday, described the sudden demise of the scion of the Awolowo family, Barrister Segun Awolowo jnr, as a significant loss to the Yoruba race and our nation at large.

    Reacting to the news of the death of the grandson of sage Obafemi Awolowo, Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom said, “The news of the demise of my friend and brother, Segun, came to me when I least expected it.”

    “I am in shock. But who are we to question the decision of our creator? He decides when we are born and when we will leave.

    “I commiserate with the larger Awolowo family of Ikene, Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the people of the gateway state on this irreplaceable loss.

    “His untimely demise is a significant loss to our nation, and my heart goes out to his wife and children during this difficult time.

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    “Segun’s legacy as a brilliant lawyer, a devoted family man, and a kind soul will continue to inspire us all. His contributions to the legal profession and society will be remembered for generations to come.

    “On behalf of the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I pray that his soul rests in perfect peace and that his family, friends, and associates he left behind find strength in the cherished memories of his life.

    “May God grant the Awolowo family the strength to bear this loss, and may Segun’s legacy continue to inspire us all,” he said.

  • Dispute over returned looted artifacts: Court urged to restrain Benin museum’s promoters 

    Dispute over returned looted artifacts: Court urged to restrain Benin museum’s promoters 

    The Federal High Court has been urged to restrain the promoters of the controversial Museum of West African Contemporary Culture and Arts (MOWAA) and their agents from establishing, opening, or operating any museum in Benin City, Edo State, and dealing with Benin artifacts without the consent of the Oba of Benin. 

    The request formed part of the reliefs being sought in a suit filed by a member of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Chief Osaro Idah (the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom), in which he raised two issues for the court’s determination and is seeking five reliefs.

    According to a notice issued by the court, a hearing in the suit has been scheduled for November 27, during which the court is expected to hear the motion for interlocutory injunction filed by the claimant.

    The suit, marked: FHC/B/CS/107/2025, was filed before the Benin division of the Federal High Court by Chief Idah, through his lawyer, Kelvin Mejuku of the firm of Prof Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) & Partners.

    According to court documents seen in Abuja on Friday, the claimant is contending, among others, that the Oba of Benin, being the sole custodian of the culture, tradition, and heritage of the Benin Kingdom, is the only rightful person to determine where the returned looted artifacts and other items of Benin heritage should be kept.

    Listed as defendants in the suit are Museum of West African Arts LTD/GTD and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).

    The claimant wants the court to declare that by virtue of the Federal Government’s notice contained in Order No. 1 of 2023 titled: “Notice of Presidential Declaration on the Recognition of Ownership, and an Order Vesting Custody and Management of Repatriated Looted Benin Artifacts in the Oba of Benin Kingdom,” dated March 23, 2023, the Oba of Benin is the custodian, of the culture, tradition and heritage of the Benin Kingdom and people. 

    He equally wants a declaration that by virtue of the said Federal Government’s notice contained in Order No.1 of 2023, the first defendant/the founders and operators of the Museum of West African Contemporary Culture and Arts, located in Benin City require the consent of the Oba of Benin, the sole custodian of Benin culture and arts, to hold Benin artifacts amongst other collections in the museum. 

    Chief Idah is also urging the court to declare that the Defendants cannot surreptitiously identify with and or deploy or use the name, title and or the throne of the Oba of Benin, without the consent of the Oba, to solicit for endorsements, unds and or support within and outside Nigeria for prosecution of their purported interests in Benin artifacts and objects for the purposes of establishing or maintaining a museum in Benin City. 

    The claimant equally wants the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their servants, privies, or agents from establishing, opening, and operating any museum in Benin City, Edo, dealing with Benin artefacts without the consent of the Oba of Benin. 

    Chief Idah stated, in a supporting affidavit, that the Benin artifacts are the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom created by its ancestors and forefathers within the traditional norms and rites of the kingdom. 

    “They are not the property of any private corporate entity that is not a creation of the Benin kingdom. 

    “The people of the Benin Kingdom and other stakeholders, especially the Benin Dialogue Group, had at different meetings endorsed the Benin Royal Museum to be built within the palace, as well as endorsing the Oba Ewuare II Foundation for fundraising and other requisite administration processes. 

    “It was based on the above that the Oba of Benin prevailed on the Federal Government to take custody of these artifacts on behalf of the palace until the Benin Royal Museum was ready for their collection,” he said.

    Chief Idah further stated that by virtue of the said Federal Government’s notice contained in Order No. 1 of 2023, the Oba of Benin became recognized as the sole owner, with the sole responsibility to have the custody and management of Benin artifacts. 

    He added that the gazette issued by the federal government pursuant to the 2023 order did not contemplate a situation in which any of the repatriated Benin artifacts will be diverted or hijacked from the custody of the Oba of Benin and be kept in the custody of a privately operated museum or as part of the collection of any private organization, museum like the MOWAA and NGO-operated museum. 

    The claimant states that the government of Edo State, in 2024, restored the full statutory right of the Oba of Benin as the custodian of the culture, tradition, and heritage of the Benin Kingdom and people, and his ownership and title of the stolen/looted artefacts and other artworks.

    He added, “Regrettably, some of the artifacts have now found their way into a private museum named Museum of West African Contemporary Culture and Arts (MOWAA) located in Benin City, operated by the first defendant, without the consent of the Oba of Benin.

    “This action of the first defendant is very provocative, confrontational, and calculated to undermine the lawful authority of our monarch. 

    “The exclusive authority and right of the Oba has been confirmed by a legal instrument known as Notice of Presidential Declaration, which is an Order Vesting Custody and Management of Repatriated Looted Benin Artefacts in the Oba of Benin Kingdom. 

    “The establishment in Benin City of a private or public private museum, the so called Museum of West African Culture and Arts (MOWAA by the defendant in collaboration with the second defendant without reference to the sovereign authority of our Oba over Benin culture and arts is not only a violation of the customary law of Benin Kingdom but spiteful of the authority of the revered palace. 

    “The maverick move by the first defendant in promoting the MOWAA to operate in Benin City under the nose of the Oba but without the consent of the palace is causing serious unease, public unrest, and provocation, threatening the peace of the Benin Kingdom. 

    “This development conflicts with the pronouncement of the Government of Edo State restoring full statutory rights to His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II over the Artefacts of the Benin Kingdom,” Chief Idah said.