Museum of West African Arts Cancels Preview Events Amid Protest
The Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin, Edo State, has announced the cancellation of its preview events following a protest that disrupted the exhibition. The incident occurred on Sunday when angry protesters stormed the museum, forcing foreign dignitaries and other guests to be evacuated.
In a viral video, protesters were seen entering the museum premises during the event. The museum released a statement on Instagram explaining that the protest appeared to be linked to broader disputes between the previous and current state administrations. MOWAA emphasized that it is an independent, non-profit institution with no financial interest from the former governor.
“Earlier today, a protest took place on the MOWAA campus in Benin City… While MOWAA was mentioned in the wider context of these grievances—alongside other development projects—we wish to emphasise that MOWAA is an independent, non-profit institution, of which the former governor has no interest, financial or otherwise,” the statement read.
The museum reassured that all guests were safely escorted to secure locations and supported in continuing their travels to hotels, airports, or other destinations. It thanked visitors for their understanding and apologized for the disruption, adding:
“We are deeply grateful to all our guests—many of whom travelled long distances to be here—for their understanding, patience, and resilience. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this situation may have caused, including interruptions to travel plans or scheduled visits.”
MOWAA also advised the public to suspend non-essential travel to Benin City and warned that preview events scheduled for Sunday, November 9, Monday, November 10, and Tuesday, November 11, would not hold.
“For those currently in Benin City, we advise against visiting the MOWAA campus until the situation has been resolved,” the museum added.
Government Response and Concerns
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy described the incident as “deeply concerning,” noting that Nigeria’s cultural institutions are vital for preserving history and fostering dialogue.
“The reported disruption at MOWAA not only endangers a treasured cultural asset but also threatens the peaceful environment necessary for cultural exchange and the preservation of our artistic patrimony for future generations,” the ministry said.
The ministry added that the Honourable Minister had briefed the Presidency and was consulting with the Edo State Government and security agencies to ensure an appropriate response. It urged that disputes be resolved lawfully, warning:
“No right extends to the destruction or desecration of national cultural assets. We urge all parties to refrain from actions that escalate tensions.”
Police Statement and Resolution
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police confirmed that normalcy had returned to the museum. Deputy Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said:
“Normalcy was immediately restored, while expatriates and other guests at the venue were safely evacuated to their respective hotels without any hitch.”
The police added that the situation was brought under control after the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, addressed the mob.
Ongoing Implications
The incident highlights the challenges faced by cultural institutions in maintaining stability amid political and social tensions. As MOWAA continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of its guests and the preservation of its mission.
With the upcoming events canceled, the museum will likely need to re-evaluate its approach to hosting future exhibitions. The broader implications of the protest extend beyond the museum itself, reflecting deeper issues within the region’s political landscape.
As the situation unfolds, the importance of cultural heritage and the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts become even more apparent. The role of institutions like MOWAA in promoting dialogue and preserving history cannot be overstated, especially in times of unrest.