Opening Events Halted at MOWAA Following Protests
Benin City, Nigeria – The much-anticipated preview events for the new Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City were abruptly halted on Sunday, November 9, 2025, after protesters stormed the premises. The disruption led to the cancellation of all further preview events and the indefinite postponement of the museum's official opening, originally scheduled for November 11, 2025.
The incident unfolded during an exclusive viewing for investors, artists, and international dignitaries, including foreign journalists and diplomats. Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of angry youths forced their way into the MOWAA premises, chanting traditional songs and ordering guests to leave. Police were deployed to evacuate attendees, who were safely escorted to secure locations.
Dispute Over Benin Bronzes Fuels Unrest
The core of the protest centers on a contentious dispute regarding the ownership and custodianship of the historic Benin Bronzes. These artifacts, looted by British soldiers during the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom, have been the subject of extensive repatriation efforts from museums worldwide.
Protesters, some identifying as 'Indigenous Benin Youths' and believed by MOWAA's Executive Director Phillip Ihenacho to be 'representatives from the palace' of Oba Ewuare II, demanded that the institution be named the 'Benin Royal Museum.' They accused MOWAA of excluding the Benin Royal Palace from its operations and control over the repatriated artifacts.
An ongoing internal dispute between the Edo State government and the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, over the rightful home for the returning Bronzes has complicated the repatriation process. The Oba insists the Bronzes belong in the Royal Palace, while state officials advocate for MOWAA's facilities for public access and preservation. Consequently, the original Benin Bronzes were not on display at MOWAA's preview, with some galleries reportedly featuring clay replicas.
Official Reactions and Postponement
Following the disruption, MOWAA issued a statement confirming the protest and apologizing for the inconvenience caused to its guests. The museum attributed the demonstration to 'disputes between the previous and current state administrations,' while emphasizing its status as an independent, non-profit institution.
Nigeria's Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, condemned the incident, stating that 'The reported disruption at MOWAA not only endangers a treasured cultural asset but also threatens the peaceful environment necessary for cultural exchange and the preservation of our artistic patrimony.'
In response to the escalating tensions, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo announced the formation of a special committee, chaired by former governor Adams Oshiomhole, to review MOWAA's governance and its relationship with the palace. The museum, a multi-million dollar project designed by acclaimed Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye, has now indefinitely postponed its official opening.
5 Comments
Kyle Broflovski
MOWAA is a world-class project. It deserves to open without this drama.
Stan Marsh
No real Bronzes, no real museum. The people have spoken.
Kyle Broflovski
While the desire to return the Bronzes to their original owners is completely understandable, disrupting a major cultural institution that could house them safely seems counterproductive to the larger goal of preservation and public access.
Stan Marsh
Both sides want what's best for the Benin Bronzes, but the current dispute between the state and the Oba is clearly hurting progress. A compromise that respects both tradition and modern preservation is desperately needed.
Eric Cartman
This disruption is a huge setback for Nigerian arts! So disappointing.