Protests erupted in Nigeria as demonstrators disrupted the soft launch of the new Museum of West African Arts in Benin City on Sunday evening. The protesters expressed their opposition to the museum’s establishment, claiming it undermines the cultural heritage of the region, which they believe should be under the authority of the traditional ruler, the Oba of Benin. Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scene, where a group of over a dozen young individuals stormed the museum grounds, chanting in support of the Oba.
Guests, including international visitors, were swiftly escorted from the event, although no injuries were reported. The museum is set to officially open on October 10, 2023, and was intended to showcase the ancient Benin Bronzes—artifacts that were taken from Nigeria by British soldiers in the late 19th century and have since been dispersed globally. In recent years, several of these artifacts have been returned as institutions worldwide seek to address historical ownership issues.
The museum’s plans to display the returned bronzes were called into question following disputes with the Oba. In light of the disruption, museum officials have suspended further activities and advised visitors to defer their plans until the situation is clarified. As of now, it remains uncertain whether the scheduled opening will proceed as planned.
A statement from the museum clarified that the previous state government, which established the institution, has “no interest financial or otherwise” in its operations. Meanwhile, the federal government of Nigeria is monitoring the situation in Benin City with “deep concern,” emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity.
The Museum of West African Arts is privately owned by the MOWAA trust, a non-profit organization founded in 2020. It relies on funding from the state government, as well as financial support from the British Museum and a German museum, among other sources. According to a law enacted in 2023 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, the Oba is designated as the custodian of the museum’s artifacts. The current Oba, Ewuare II, has held the position since 2016.
Calls for the repatriation of looted artifacts have been a long-standing issue in Nigeria. The movement gained momentum recently, highlighted by the Netherlands’ return of 119 bronzes in June 2023, marking the largest repatriation effort to date. As discussions surrounding cultural heritage intensify, the fate of the Museum of West African Arts hangs in the balance, reflecting broader tensions over historical accountability and cultural pride.
