In a dramatic turn of events, the soft launch of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin City, Nigeria, was disrupted by protesters on Sunday evening. The demonstrators, voicing their allegiance to the Oba of Benin, the city’s traditional ruler, claimed the museum’s establishment violated Benin City’s cultural heritage. Videos circulating online captured the scene as more than a dozen young individuals stormed the museum grounds, chanting slogans in support of the Oba. Guests, including foreign visitors, were swiftly escorted away, though no injuries were reported. The museum, a multi-million-dollar project, was set to officially open on Tuesday and intended to house the renowned Benin Bronzes—artifacts looted by British soldiers in the late 19th century and scattered globally. While some of these artifacts have been repatriated to Nigeria in recent years, disputes with the Oba led to the shelving of plans to display them at the museum. Following the protest, the museum suspended further activities and advised visitors to postpone their plans until the situation is resolved. The museum’s ownership lies with the MOWAA Trust, a non-profit established in 2020, which receives funding from the Nigerian state government, British and German museums, and other grants. The Nigerian federal government has expressed deep concern over the situation, while the museum’s management has yet to comment on whether the scheduled opening will proceed.
Protesters disrupt the soft opening of a new museum in Nigeria that was to house returned artifacts
