FG expresses concern over disruptions at Museum of West African Art in Edo
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa has said the Ministry was closely monitoring the situation with the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Edo State.
Commotion erupted on Sunday when a private exhibition at the museum, in preparation for its official commissioning the following day, was disrupted by a group of thugs, prompting the Edo State Police Command to deploy officers to the venue to restore order and safely evacuate expatriates and guests who came for the event.
The Minister who expressed concern about the incident, said in a statement, that the presidency, having been briefed on the development, is giving the matter urgent attention.
The statement said the Ministry was consulting with Edo State Government, security agencies and other stakeholders, for a complete understanding of the situation, in order to provide appropriate response.
“Our cultural institutions are custodians of Nigeria’s history, identity, and collective memory. They are spaces for learning, dialogue, and reconciliation.
“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 for future generations,” the Minister said.
Musawa cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions, stating that fundamental rights though guaranteed by the Constitution, must however be responsibly exercised.
“No right extends to the destruction or desecration of national cultural assets. Disputes must be resolved through constructive dialogue, lawful channels, and mutual respect rather than through destructive conduct,” she noted.
She reassured the MOWAA community of government’s commitment to protecting heritage spaces, while assuring further measures to uphold the rule of law and safeguard cultural institutions.
“This episode should strengthen our resolve that culture flourishes only in an environment of peace, respect, and justice.
“Let us recommit to safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural institutions and to resolving our differences through dialogue and mutual respect for the common good,” the Minister added.
Recent reports have revealed altercations surrounding the museum which was facilitated by the immediate past administration in Edo State led by Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
In what many termed as conflict of interests, the incumbent government under the leadership of Sen. Monday Okpebholo recently revoked the Certificate of Occupancy of the land hosting the museum complex.
Okpebholo had also inaugurated a committee headed by a former Governor of Edo State and Nigerian Senator Adams Oshiomhole, to look into the various agreements and frameworks upon which the museum was set up.
In a recent visit by the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to Edo State Government House, Okpebholo said the controversy surrounding MOWAA had come to an end, stating that the project would be restored to what he called “its original purpose” — a cultural edifice to honour the Benin Kingdom’s heritage.
“Your Majesty…We just watched where former Governor Godwin Obaseki promised to build the Benin Royal Museum as a gift to you. The issue of the Museum of West African Art is over. It was a birthday gift to Your Majesty, and it will be restored as such”, the Governor said during his speech.
Okpebholo promised to take the referenced clip to the Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, adding that he was certain the President would not support any act that undermined the dignity of the Benin Kingdom.
Similarly, during a visit by a delegation of European diplomats to Edo State Government House, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot and German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Annett Günther, the Governor said he was shocked over the visit to the State by foreign dignitaries to partake in activities relating to the museum, stating that his administration was not informed.
He later tagged the scenario as an example of what he termed “lack of transparency” that surrounded the MOWAA project, during a courtesy visit to the Benin Royal Palace with the diplomats.
Reports say that investors claimed that all monies raised for the MOWAA project were raised in the name of MOWAA, not the Benin Royal Musuem or any other entity, with the museum being an independent project and largely driven by international partners.
The management of MOWAA had also clarified in a recent statement some misconceptions about the museum’s “mission, holdings, and role within Benin City’s cultural landscape”, while reaffirming its loyalty and respect for the Benin monarchy.
The statement read in part: “MOWAA holds His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, in the highest esteem and continues to uphold deep respect for the Benin throne.”
The museum management refuted claims of ownership of Benin Bronzes, and also denied misrepresenting itself as Benin Royal Museum, noting that it was “dedicated to engaging respectfully and committed to a collective effort to contribute to the preservation and advancement of West Africa’s rich cultural legacy”.
“MOWAA does not hold, nor have we ever claimed title to any Benin Bronzes. Since our inception in 2020, the Museum has consistently affirmed that it has no claims to these artefacts,” the statement added.
