Protests force indefinite postponement of Museum of West African Art opening in Benin City
A demonstration on Sunday at the Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Nigeria, forced a delay of its opening, initially set for Tuesday. Established in 2020, the museum was intended to showcase the Benin bronzes seized by British troops in the 19th century. Ewuare II, the current Oba of Benin, plans to house these artefacts in his own museum, following a statement from former president Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. The MOWAA is transitioning towards a broader focus on West African art. Authorities have cautioned the public to refrain from visiting until the situation stabilizes.
Key facts
- Protestors entered MOWAA grounds in Benin City, Nigeria, on Sunday.
- MOWAA was initiated in 2020 and partly conceived to house the Benin bronzes.
- In 2023, former president Muhammadu Buhari gave ownership of the bronzes to Oba Ewuare II.
- Ewuare II plans to display the bronzes in his own museum.
- MOWAA has shifted focus to historical and contemporary West African art.
- Protests stem from disputes between previous and current state administrations.
- A local resident cited frustration over 'hijacking of an Edo project'.
- MOWAA indefinitely postponed its opening events and advised visitors not to come.
Entities
Institutions
- Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)
- BBC
Locations
- Benin City
- Nigeria