The highly anticipated opening of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) was thrown into chaos after protesters invaded the premises, forcing the evacuation of international guests and the cancellation of all preview events.
The multi-million dollar state-of-the-art cultural hub in
Edo was conceived partly as a future home for the renowned Benin bronzes —
priceless artefacts looted by British soldiers in the 19th century.
However, a bitter dispute over who should control the
soon-to-be-returned treasures appeared to be at the heart of the protest.
What was planned as an exclusive preview for investors,
artists, and international dignitaries quickly devolved into turmoil.
A group of protesters breached the heavily secured grounds
on Sunday, chanting war songs and demanding that the institution be named the
“Benin Royal Museum” instead.
As a proud Benin man, I felt embarrassed today at the conduct of some allegedly sponsored thugs who invade MOWAA threatening foreign nationals.
— DØÇTÖR CRUÏS£ (@ThatCruiseMedic) November 9, 2025
How backward do we want our state to be?
Here is gist 👇@instablog9ja @yabaleftonline @Naija_PR
1/ pic.twitter.com/uV6BwqFm6e
Mowaa is a scam obaseki plans to quickly open the museum before d suppose date was stop by Edo youths the white people who came were calmly order out from the museum... The Oba word is final no opening till investigation is done.
— Owen Jesse 27 (@Uyioghosa_27) November 9, 2025
Oba ghator kpere ise!!! pic.twitter.com/XZLLUDI52e
Youths in Benin, Edo State, protested and stormed the MOWAA premises this afternoon, destrøying properties and instructing foreign guests and investors to vacate the location. pic.twitter.com/FBc5ABZWv2
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) November 9, 2025
Una say we nor go fit do anything say Mowaa go open abi , we go see who really get that Benin last last pic.twitter.com/vOTdG64pnG
— Edogun (@Edogun254) November 9, 2025
Videos from the scene showed the group insulting foreign
journalists, diplomats, and tourists, ordering them to leave the premises.
In a statement released after the incident, MOWAA confirmed
that all guests were safely escorted to secure locations.
The museum also announced the immediate cancellation of a
follow-up preview event scheduled for Monday and the grand opening planned for
Tuesday.
The museum positioned itself as an independent actor caught
in a crossfire of local politics.
MOWAA also expressed regret to the affected guests, while stating that it is working with local authorities to address 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 REACTS
The federal ministry of art, culture, tourism and the
creative economy, in a statement, expressed “deep concern” over the growing
crisis at MOWAA, adding that it is closely monitoring the volatile situation at
the Benin City institution.
The ministry described the incident as a “national issue,”
emphasising that cultural institutions like MOWAA are vital “custodians of
Nigeria’s history, identity and collective memory”.
The statement warned that the disruption “not only endangers
a treasured cultural asset but also threatens the peaceful environment
necessary for cultural exchange”.
Hannatu Musawa, the minister of art, culture, tourism and creative economy, disclosed that she has officially briefed the presidency on the matter.
Statement from the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, on the Disturbance at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), Benin City#mowaa #benincity pic.twitter.com/YUumyHSLUB
— FMACTCE_Nigeria (@Fmactce_Nigeria) November 9, 2025
“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 vowed to “take the necessary measures to
safeguard these institutions and to uphold the rule of law,” signalling that
further state action to secure the museum may be possible.
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