A planned museum in Benin City, Nigeria, intended to house repatriated Benin Bronzes, has become embroiled in controversy, revealing deep fault lines in Nigeria’s cultural politics and raising questions about who should be the rightful custodians of the artifacts. The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) was envisioned as several different projects, including a home for the bronzes, an architectural statement, and a museum for the Royal Court of Benin, but has faced disruption and political challenges.
Project Origins and Shifting Plans
Initial plans dating back to 2018, discussed at the Benin Dialogue Group, involved establishing the Benin Royal Museum to house the repatriated Benin Bronzes. In 2019, architect David Adjaye was commissioned to design the museum. By 2020, the project was rebranded as the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) and would be led by the Legacy Restoration Trust, alongside an archaeological excavation of the site.
Oba of Benin Raises Concerns
In July 2021, the Oba of Benin denounced EMOWAA and the Legacy Restoration Trust, claiming they were created to divert the Benin Bronzes. The Oba maintained that the Benin Royal Museum, near the palace, should be the sole home for the repatriated artifacts. This led to protests and uncertainty regarding the artifacts’ fate.
Federal Government Ruling and Political Divisions
In 2023, the Nigerian Federal government ruled that the Oba was the rightful owner and custodian of the bronzes, looted from the royal palace in 1897. This decision sparked debate about restitution practices and access to the artifacts. The state government, led by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the federal government, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), found themselves pursuing different museum structures: MOWAA and the Benin Royal Museum.
Land Rights Revoked and Hospital Demolition
The current governor of Edo State revoked MOWAA’s land rights and plans to restore the site to a hospital. The governor had controversially demolished a hospital in the city center to make way for the museum, a move criticized as a betrayal of the kingdom and reminiscent of colonial strategies. The project was also criticized for being driven and run by non-indigenes, underestimating the importance of local buy-in.
Recent Disruptions and Ongoing Debate
A preview event for MOWAA in November was disrupted by “thugs,” and foreign dignitaries were briefly held hostage. Recent reportage has framed the demonstrators negatively, but questions remain about whether local concerns are valid. The case for MOWAA has focused on attracting foreign visitors and tourism revenue, while some argue that preserving Benin’s artistic heritage should prioritize local engagement and living traditions.
Cultural Preservation and Development Priorities
Nigeria already has a national museum in Benin City, but the debate highlights tensions between heritage preservation and functional public services, such as healthcare. The demolished hospital served immediate needs, while a museum’s benefits are less tangible for many citizens. The situation also raises questions about the role of traditional rulers as custodians of history, given their complex relationship with the colonial state and modern governance.
Despite the controversy, MOWAA is unlikely to be entirely abandoned, but it will likely remain a political issue. The underlying tension between palace and politics, tradition and bureaucracy, and arts and crafts, is structural. Ultimately, Edo people will determine the future of their cultural heritage, and some remain unconvinced of MOWAA’s value.
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