BENIN, Nigeria — The grand opening of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City descended into chaos on Sunday, November 10, 2025, after protesters stormed the premises, forcing the evacuation of international guests and the cancellation of all preview events.
The multi-million-dollar museum, envisioned as a future home for the Benin Bronzes — priceless artefacts looted by British soldiers in the 19th century — has been at the centre of a growing dispute over who should control the soon-to-be-repatriated treasures.
What was meant to be an exclusive cultural showcase for investors, artists, and dignitaries quickly turned into a scene of pandemonium.
Protesters breached the heavily guarded venue, chanting war songs and demanding that the institution be renamed the “Benin Royal Museum” in honour of the Oba of Benin.
Videos circulating online showed the crowd confronting foreign journalists, diplomats, and tourists, ordering them to leave the premises.
As a proud Benin man, I felt embarrassed today at the conduct of some allegedly sponsored thugs who invade MOWAA threatening foreign nationals.
How backward do we want our state to be?
Here is gist 👇@instablog9ja @yabaleftonline @Naija_PR
1/ pic.twitter.com/uV6BwqFm6e— DØÇTÖR CRUÏS£ (@ThatCruiseMedic) November 9, 2025
Una say we nor go fit do anything say Mowaa go open abi , we go see who really get that Benin last last pic.twitter.com/vOTdG64pnG
— Edogun (@Edogun254) November 9, 2025
MOWAA confirmed the incident in a statement late Sunday, November 9, 2025, noting that all guests were safely escorted to secure locations.
The museum also announced the immediate cancellation of Monday’s preview and Tuesday’s grand opening ceremony.
“Earlier today, a protest took place on the MOWAA campus in Benin City,” the statement read.
“The demonstration appeared to stem from disputes between the previous and current state administrations. While MOWAA was mentioned in the wider context of these grievances, we wish to emphasise that MOWAA is an independent, non-profit institution of which the former governor has no interest — financial or otherwise.”
The museum apologised to guests and assured that safety remains its “highest priority.”
MOWAA’s Preview Week will give visitors the chance to explore and get involved with West African art and culture. The museum will come alive with exhibitions, performances, talks and guided tours.
To pre-sign up for select workshops, visit https://t.co/VzllPxFbDC. pic.twitter.com/EPY59Frho9
— The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) (@mowaaofficial) November 4, 2025
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has expressed “deep concern” over the crisis, calling it a “national issue” that threatens one of Nigeria’s most important cultural institutions.
In a statement, Minister Hannatu Musawa said the ministry is in close communication with the Edo State Government, security agencies, and stakeholders to fully assess the situation.
“We are in active consultation with the Edo State Government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to establish a full understanding of the circumstances and to ensure an appropriate and proportionate response,” the minister said.
Musawa stressed that cultural institutions like MOWAA are “custodians of Nigeria’s history, identity, and collective memory.”
“The disruption not only endangers a treasured cultural asset but also threatens the peaceful environment necessary for cultural exchange,” she warned.
Statement from the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, on the Disturbance at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), Benin City#mowaa #benincity pic.twitter.com/YUumyHSLUB
— FMACTCE_Nigeria (@Fmactce_Nigeria) November 9, 2025
The protest has reignited long-standing tensions surrounding the ownership and management of the Benin Bronzes.
While MOWAA has positioned itself as an independent platform for research and cultural dialogue, traditional authorities and sections of Edo civil society insist the bronzes must be housed under the Oba’s custodianship.
The federal government’s intervention signals growing alarm over the escalating dispute, which risks overshadowing what was intended to be a landmark moment for Nigeria’s cultural renaissance.
Musawa concluded by pledging the ministry’s commitment to “upholding the rule of law and safeguarding national heritage,” hinting that further government action to secure the museum may soon follow.
