Why we demolished 100-year-old Edo Central Hospital – Obaseki

Edo governor Godwin Obaseki

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

By Jethro Ibileke

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo has addressed criticism surrounding the demolition of the former Central Hospital in Benin City, which some claim was torn down for the construction of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

Speaking at the official unveiling and preview of the MOWAA Institute and Campus in Benin City on Monday, Obaseki asserted that the hospital was removed to make way for one of the largest healthcare facilities in South-South Nigeria.

Earlier that day, during the commissioning of the remodelled Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology (EDOCOHEST), the governor expressed no regrets over the decision to demolish the Central Hospital.

“I am sure you’ve heard the criticism that we brought down a hospital to build a museum. In just two days, we will be commissioning one of the biggest hospitals in South-South Nigeria here in Benin City,” he stated.

“We did not demolish a hospital for a museum; instead, we constructed a museum and built a better hospital,” he emphasized.

• Obaseki drums support for Okpebholo
• I don’t want to be remembered for fighting people – Obaseki
• 12 days to Okpebholo’s inauguration: EFCC allegedly arrests signatories to Edo Govt accounts

Obaseki explained that his administration has pursued actions typical of any government seeking to regenerate, restore, and reform the state.

“First, we built roads, revamped our institutions, focused on our economy, addressed our environmental concerns, and improved infrastructure. These are actions every responsible government should take,” he said.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to prioritising culture and the arts in our development agenda. In West Africa, there are few places that can boast the kind of heritage we have.”

He stressed the importance of how, over the centuries, Edo has built institutions that reflect its identity, noting that much of this knowledge has been lost due to a lack of documentation.

“As leaders, it is our responsibility to envision, visualise, and create a future based on our heritage. Culture plays a significant role for us and helps us better articulate our stories.”

“This project began about six years ago, following discussions with the Benin Dialogue Group on how to preserve our culture and share it with the world,” he added.