🔗 Share this article

The nation's remarkable new West African Art Museum (Mowaa) has landed in the middle of regional political struggles during the period it was scheduled to – but did not manage – to welcome visitors to the public for the initial occasion.

The Major Initiative

The six-hectare complex stands in the core of the Edo state capital, administrative center of the southern state of Edo – and includes an archaeological dig and buildings created by high-profile Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye, particularly noted for the National Museum of African American History and Culture that was inaugurated in Washington in 2016.

It has been half a decade in the making – and is designed to celebrate both the past and the present of artistic expression in the region known for the Benin Bronzes, cultural objects looted from the city's royal palace by UK forces in the 1800s.

Setup and Prospects

It is remarkable – and ahead of the anticipated opening, Mowaa was active with staff committed to show it is a venue that can compete with established museums and galleries in the West.

Internally art restorers carefully revealed art pieces from protective packaging, checking each artifact and taking meticulous notes before positioning them on display surfaces and stands.

Technicians fine-tuned climate control systems. In the scientific facility, staff members adjusted devices meant to preserve ancient objects.

Investment and Economic Plans

The project has been the brainchild of businessman Phillip Ihenacho – currently Mowaa's managing director.

"I aim us to have a significant economic impact on local residents around here," he told the press, noting that he hoped to make Benin City "a tourism center."

Mowaa, a non-profit national foundation, aims at generating more than 30,000 work positions and adding above $80m annually to the regional creative economy through alliances and events.

Funding Sources and Political Challenges

It has needed $25m to reach this point – money raised from various contributors, featuring the international partners, the London institution and the local administration.

But now the local government has revoked permission from beneath it – canceling the utilization of the site on which the building was erected.

An Edo state spokesperson clarified this was because in the early agreements it had referred to itself as the Edo-named institution – and it had subsequently eliminated "the regional name" from its title.

Protests and Political Intervention

This statement came after protests on Sunday, when protesters stormed the campus insisting it be designated the Museum of the Benin Kingdom.

A rowdy group harassed overseas dignitaries at the museum prior to the launch – forcing them to be quickly removed under official guard.

National leader Bola Tinubu has additionally become involved to work to address the tensions, creating a special task force to manage the situation.

Political Complexities

But in what way has this become so controversial – and such a reputation problem?

Much of it results from internecine rivalries at a regional government level, as it was the ex-administrator Godwin Obaseki – whose term in office ended last year – who was a primary advocate of the museum.

And it appears the administration of the recently elected official, a strong supporter of the area king, known as the traditional leader, may seek greater involvement in the project. The demonstrators on Sunday, for case, were calling for that the institution be put under the authority of the current Oba.

The Historical Objects Discussion

This highlights the controversial matter of the cultural artifacts, one of the continent's most celebrated artistic heritage.

Because even if the facility does eventually welcome visitors, these bronzes will be conspicuously absent.

They are metal, ivory and wooden sculptures that once embellished the royal palace of the ancient kingdom before UK forces stole them in 1897 during a punitive expedition.

Currently, thousands continue to be distributed across museums in the West -- including the British Museum, German museum and the New York institution.

Restitution Efforts

Their homecoming has become one of the most contested debates in the international art community. About 150 have currently been returned – and more are due to follow.

When plans for the facility in Benin City were initially revealed in the pre-pandemic era, the key players on Nigeria's art scene hoped it would become their perfect venue – a state-of-the-art facility to show them off to the world.

But the waters were muddied some time back after the central administration declared that the traditional ruler would be the rightful owner of repatriated artifacts – and the royal household pushed for a facility under the royal family's direct control, opposing the wishes of Obaseki.

Political Navigation

This left Mowaa in a challenging circumstance: expressing a specific viewpoint on return while remaining diplomatic on guardianship – and stressing its broader vision, which led to|c