The much-awaited inauguration of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) descended into confusion when protesters stormed the venue, leading to the evacuation of foreign guests and the cancellation of all scheduled preview activities.
The world-class Edo-based cultural centre — built with multi-million-dollar investment — was designed in part to serve as the future home of the iconic Benin bronzes, ancient artefacts seized by British troops in the 19th century.
However, a heated conflict over who should have authority over the soon-to-be-repatriated artefacts appeared to trigger the unrest
What was intended to be a high-profile preview event for investors, artists, and visiting dignitaries quickly turned chaotic.
On Sunday, protesters breached the tightly guarded premises, singing war songs and demanding that the centre be renamed the “Benin Royal Museum”.
Videos circulating online captured the group verbally attacking foreign journalists, diplomats, and tourists, directing them to leave the site.
In a statement following the incident, MOWAA confirmed that all attendees were escorted to safe locations.
The museum also cancelled the next day’s preview session as well as the grand opening originally planned for Tuesday.
Describing itself as an impartial body caught in a political clash, MOWAA apologised to guests and noted it was collaborating with local authorities to resolve the situation.
“Earlier today, a protest took place on the MOWAA campus in Benin City,” the statement reads.
“The demonstration appeared to stem from disputes between the previous and current state administrations. While MOWAA was mentioned in the wider context of these grievances-alongside other development projects-we wish to emphasise that MOWAA is an independent, non-profit institution, of which the former governor has no interest financial or otherwise.
“As a precaution, all guests were safely escorted to secure locations and supported in continuing their travels to hotels, airports, or other destinations in the city. The safety and well-being of our staff, visitors, and partners remains our highest priority. We are working closely with local authorities to address the situation.
“We are deeply grateful to all our guests-many of whom travelled long distances to be here for their understanding, patience, and resilience. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this situation may have caused, including interruptions to travel plans or scheduled visits.
“Your commitment to being with us means a great deal, and we regret that your experience today was disrupted.
“There will be no preview events on Monday, 10 November and Tuesday, 11 November.”
Federal Government Expresses Concern Over MOWAA Crisis
The federal ministry of art, culture, tourism and the creative economy released a statement expressing “deep concern” over the escalating tension at MOWAA, noting that it is keeping a close watch on the developing situation at the Benin City facility.
The ministry described the unrest as a “national issue,” stressing that institutions like MOWAA are essential “custodians of Nigeria’s history, identity and collective memory”.
It warned that the incident “not only endangers a treasured cultural asset but also threatens the peaceful environment necessary for cultural exchange”.
Hannatu Musawa, minister of art, culture, tourism and creative economy, stated that she has formally updated the presidency on the situation.
“We are in active consultation with the Edo State Government, security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to establish a full understanding of the circumstances and to ensure an appropriate and proportionate response,” the statement reads in part.
The ministry pledged to “take the necessary measures to safeguard these institutions and to uphold the rule of law,” suggesting that additional government intervention to secure the museum could follow.