President Bola Tinubu has established a presidential committee to tackle escalating controversies over the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Edo State, following the revocation of its land title and protests linked to the Benin Palace.
The crisis intensified on Tuesday when Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo revoked the certificate of occupancy (C-of-O) for the MOWAA site.
The move stemmed from widespread public outrage and direct objections from Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, who opposed the demolition of the historic Central Hospital to accommodate the museum project.
The revocation occurred less than 24 hours after protesters loyal to the palace disrupted a preview exhibition at the museum, heightening tensions.
In response, President Tinubu appointed a committee chaired by Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.
Members include representatives from the federal ministry of art, culture, tourism, and creative economy; the presidency; the national council for art and culture; the Edo State government; the Palace of the Oba of Benin; the ministry of foreign affairs; the German and French embassies; the national commission for museums and monuments; and MOWAA itself.
According to a statement from Chindaya Ahmadu, director of press for the ministry, the committee is tasked with conducting broad consultations, fact-finding on all related issues, and developing recommendations that harmonize Nigeria's cultural sovereignty with international partnerships and diplomacy.
Musawa emphasized that the intervention underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage peacefully and legally.
"Cultural institutions are pillars of our national identity and must be protected through collaborative approaches that reflect both traditional custodianship and modern institutional structures," she said.
The committee will report directly to President Tinubu to facilitate rapid adoption of lasting solutions preserving Nigeria's cultural integrity.
The federal government further stated that while the constitution protects fundamental freedoms, it requires responsible exercise. Nigeria's cultural spaces and artifacts, as shared national inheritance, warrant protection under moral and legal statutes.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com