Edo Govt Warns MOWAA Against Encroaching on state-owned Specialist Hospital Land

The Edo State Government has issued a stern warning to the management of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) over alleged encroachment on land belonging to the Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH).

Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa delivered the warning on Thursday during an inspection visit to the MOWAA site in Benin City.

He emphasized the importance of respecting the clearly established boundary lines between both institutions and urged MOWAA to adhere strictly to the official coordinates.

Reaffirming the state’s position, Idahosa expressed disappointment over MOWAA’s alleged disregard for earlier directives regarding the land demarcation.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo has instructed me to ensure that MOWAA sticks to the boundaries set between the Edo Specialist Hospital and their facility,” Idahosa said. “We visited this location weeks ago to carry out proper demarcation, yet it appears MOWAA has encroached on ESH land.”

He noted that the state has now sealed off the portion belonging to the hospital to prevent further encroachment.

“This is not a witch hunt. The governor has been fair—allowing MOWAA to retain existing structures—but they must respect the law and stay within their limits,” he added.

The Deputy Governor stressed that the government’s primary concern is the welfare, health, and safety of Edo residents, and maintaining clear institutional boundaries serves that goal.

Dr. Anthonia Njoku, Chief Medical Director of the Edo Specialist Hospital, praised Governor Okpebholo for safeguarding the hospital’s interests and supporting its planned expansion.

NIGERIA NEWS 247 gathered that negotiations had been ongoing between the government and MOWAA, and that a temporary perimeter wall has already been erected to mark the boundary.