Protests Disrupt Opening of Nigeria's Museum of West African Art

Fri Dec 05 2025 05:46:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Protesters storm the newly opened Museum of West African Art in Nigeria, expressing anger over absence of the Benin Bronzes, sparking international attention.

A group of protesters disrupted the preview event at Nigeria's Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) ahead of its grand opening. The protesters voiced their grievances over disputes regarding the Benin Bronzes, significant artworks that were looted during colonial times and remain absent from the museum. The incident has raised concerns about the control and representation of cultural heritage in Nigeria amid ongoing tensions between local authorities and the museum's administration.

Protesters targeted a new multi-million dollar museum in Nigeria and forced organizers to halt a preview event ahead of Tuesday's grand opening.

Videos showed a group insulting foreign guests and ordering them to leave after entering the grounds of the Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) in Benin City on Sunday.

The museum in Edo state was conceived as a home for the Benin Bronzes—artefacts looted by British soldiers in the 19th Century. However, a bitter dispute over the control of these prized artworks has meant they are not housed in the museum, leading to the protesters' anger.

All guests were safely escorted to secure locations, according to a statement from the museum.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this situation may have caused, Mowaa said.

A local resident shared that the discontent stems from perceptions of the project being hijacked and noted that local leadership, including the Benin Oba (king) and traditional rulers, are unhappy.

Mowaa's executive director, Phillip Ihenacho, mentioned that the museum was designed to serve a purpose beyond Nigeria. Its name originally included 'Edo' but was later changed, thought to reflect broader ambitions.

The protest appears to be linked to tensions between previous and current state administrations. The museum emphasized its independence from state influence despite backing from a former governor.

In response to the disruption, Mowaa has canceled all preview events and advised visitors to avoid the campus until the situation is resolved.

We are deeply grateful to all our guests—many of whom traveled long distances to be here—for their understanding, patience, and resilience, Mowaa stated.