Introduction to MOWAA
The multi-million dollar Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), a prestigious cultural project in Edo State in southern Nigeria, has suspended preview events scheduled for this week. MOWAA made the decision after around 20 men, some armed with wooden bats, stormed the museum courtyard during a pre-opening event on Sunday. Guests, including ambassadors and donors, were forced to seek refuge inside.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The incident came just days after dozens of demonstrators protested outside the Edo State House of Assembly against the opening of the museum. MOWAA has sparked intense political tensions since its founding five years ago. As a result, the museum has issued a statement advising people to suspend their travel plans to Benin City for MOWAA Preview Week.
What is MOWAA?
The new museum is dedicated to preserving and honoring the artistic and cultural heritage of West Africa. It will house exhibition spaces and archives and aims to host residencies for West African artists and artisans. The museum costs around $25 million and has received significant support from international governments and private institutions, including Germany, France, Denmark, the British Museum, the Getty Foundation, and the Ford Foundation.
Controversy Surrounding MOWAA
MOWAA has become embroiled in the conflict over ownership of the Benin Bronzes, thousands of artifacts looted by British soldiers in the 19th century from what was then the Kingdom of Benin, now in Edo State, Nigeria. The metal artifacts and ivory carvings have significant cultural significance and are scattered in collections across Europe and the United States. Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari declared in 2023 that the traditional ruler of the ancient Kingdom of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, was the owner of the bronzes.
The Benin Bronzes
Numerous Benin bronzes have been returned to Nigeria in recent years, including 119 from the Netherlands in June 2025, which were handed over directly to the Oba. Oba Ewuare II has stated that he plans to display the returned bronzes, none of which are yet on public display, in a museum of his own. Critics of MOWAA say the museum is a provocation to the Oba and a ploy to take away the Benin bronzes from him.
Support for MOWAA
MOWAA supporters say the museum, designed by renowned British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye, will transform Edo State into a global cultural and arts hub. Nigeria’s Culture Minister condemned the incident in a statement, saying it endangers a valuable cultural asset and threatens the peaceful environment necessary for cultural exchange and the preservation of artistic heritage.
