By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – A group, Concerned Edo Youths yesterday raised an alarm over alleged plans to sabotage Monday’s commissioning of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin City.

The group spoke following a protest few days ago by social cultural organizations and traditional groups against the planned opening of the Museum.

In a statement signed by Comrade Joseph Gbale and Secretary Isaac Ogieva, and made available to newsmen in Benin, the group expressed dismay in the development and linked the action to a deliberate political scheme.

“We have watched with utmost dismay the continuous harassment by the Edo State Government and some faceless groups purportedly claiming to be speaking for the revered Palace of the Benin Monarch,” the statement read.

“For us as a group, we see this as a deliberate plan by Gov. Okpebholo and the Edo State Government to sabotage Edo South Senatorial District.”

The youths declared that MOWAA remains an Edo heritage that must be jealousy protected, warning that a pattern of attacks on key investments in Edo South was emerging.

“How come MOWAA is under attack? Radisson is under attack. Ossiomo Power is under attack. Presco Oil Palm Plc is under attack. Do they really think it is a coincidence?” the statement queried.

They revealed that the upcoming opening of MOWAA has already drawn massive global attention, with over 200 international journalists accredited to cover the event, including representatives from international media outfits.

“Hotels are fully booked, transportation operators, food vendors, caterers, and Igun art traders are set to benefit, yet the Edo State Government and some politically motivated groups want to sabotage the development.

“These politically directionless elements are currently roping in the Palace to make our monarch look like an accomplice in this unpatriotic act,” the statement warned.

Describing Edo as “the cradle of black civilization,” the youths insisted that the people of Edo are satisfied with the MOWAA project, which aligns with their cultural and developmental aspirations.

They cautioned that any attempt to frustrate the initiative would make Edo an “investment risk destination,” discouraging private investors and international partners from committing resources to the state.

The group called on all Edo people to resist what it termed “retrogressive elements” and to defend the MOWAA project as a symbol of Edo pride and progress.