A preview ceremony at the newly constructed Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Nigeria, was abruptly shut down on Sunday after protesters forced their way onto the museum grounds, demanding that guests—many of whom were foreign dignitaries and cultural stakeholders—leave immediately.
The museum, located in Edo State and scheduled for an official launch on Tuesday, has been positioned as a landmark cultural institution. It was partly envisioned to eventually house and conserve the historic Benin Bronzes—global heritage artefacts taken from the Benin Kingdom during a British military raid in the late 1800s. The site has been praised for offering advanced conservation laboratories and long-term capacity for cultural preservation.
However, the globally anticipated opening has been overshadowed by ongoing tensions within the state over ownership, custodianship and control of cultural heritage. Many Edo indigenes believe the museum’s direction has shifted away from the original community-driven mandate, prompting fears that local voices have been sidelined. Sources told the BBC that some palace authorities, traditional institutions, and sections of the state government feel the museum’s identity has drifted away from Edo’s direct custodianship. Notably, the word “Edo” was once included in the museum’s name before later being removed.
MOWAA leadership says it remains neutral. Executive Director Phillip Ihenacho told the BBC that the institution aims to serve not only Edo State but positions itself as a global cultural centre for West Africa. In an official statement, management clarified that the protest appeared rooted in political disagreements between current state officials and a previous administration, dismissing claims that the former governor holds any financial interest.
Despite no physical harm reported, all guests were swiftly taken to safe areas and all future preview events ahead of Tuesday’s opening have now been cancelled. The museum has urged the public to stay away from its campus until further notice.
“We are deeply grateful to those who travelled from near and far to take part in this historic moment,” MOWAA said, apologising for the disruption. “We are committed to resolving this matter peacefully and transparently.”
Source:Africa Publicity
