Ofure Akhigbe
Protesters on Sunday disrupted a preview event at the new Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) in Benin City, forcing organisers to halt activities ahead of the official grand opening scheduled for Tuesday. The unrest occurred as guests, including foreign visitors, were touring the museum.
Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators confronting guests and ordering them off the museum grounds. The Museum of West African Art, partly established to house the historic Benin Bronzes looted by British forces in the 19th century, also features advanced preservation and restoration facilities. However, disputes over control of the prized artefacts mean they are not yet on display, reportedly fuelling the protest.
“All guests were safely escorted to secure locations,” the museum said in a statement. Local residents told the BBC the unrest reflects frustration over what many see as the hijacking of a project meant to celebrate Edo’s cultural heritage. “The Benin Oba [king], traditional rulers, and the government of Edo are not happy about it,” one resident said.
Initially, the museum’s name included “Edo,” but this was later dropped. Executive Director Phillip Ihenacho explained that the backers intended for the Museum of West African Art to serve a wider purpose beyond Nigeria. The museum also noted that although a former state governor had backed the project, he has no financial or administrative involvement.
In response to the protest, all preview events at the Museum of West African Art have been cancelled, and visitors are advised to avoid the campus until the situation is resolved. “We are deeply grateful to all our guests – many of whom travelled long distances to be here – for their understanding, patience, and resilience,” the museum said, apologising for any inconvenience caused.