Governor Monday Okpebholo has formally revoked the Certificate of Occupancy for the Museum of West African Arts in Benin City and restored the site to its original designation for hospital service use. The administration cited pressing healthcare needs in the state as a primary reason for reclaiming the land, originally allocated for public health infrastructure.
The museum project, which had been ongoing for several years, had consumed significant state and donor resources, raising questions about prioritisation in light of Edo’s healthcare demands. The government stated that the land’s reassignment will support the construction and expansion of a modern hospital facility, intended to provide quality medical services to local communities.
Officials noted that this decision reflects the government’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to Edo residents while maintaining strategic oversight of public assets. Steps are now being taken to integrate the reclaimed land into the state’s healthcare infrastructure plan, including fast-tracking project approvals, procurement, and staff deployment for the hospital.
