🔗 Share this article

The nation's stunning new Art Museum of West Africa (Mowaa) has found itself in the middle of regional political struggles during the week it was supposed to – but did not manage – to open its doors to the visitors for the initial occasion.

The Major Initiative

The six-hectare complex sits in the core of Benin's urban center, capital of the southern region of Edo – and contains an archaeological dig and facilities designed by high-profile British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, best known for the Smithsonian African American Museum that opened in Washington DC in 2016.

It has been half a decade in the making – and is designed to showcase both the history and the modern times of artistic expression in the region renowned for the historic artworks, artworks taken from the city's royal palace by British troops in the 19th Century.

Readiness and Potential

It is remarkable – and ahead of the planned opening, Mowaa was energetic with workers committed to prove it is a place that can match renowned cultural centers in the Europe and America.

Internally conservators precisely revealed cultural items from secure wrapping, inspecting each artifact and taking meticulous records before positioning them on display surfaces and bases.

Experts adjusted environmental controls. In the research lab, staff members adjusted equipment meant to preserve ancient artefacts.

Financial Backing and Economic Vision

The venture has been the idea of entrepreneur Phillip Ihenacho – currently Mowaa's managing director.

"I hope us to have a significant economic benefit on communities in the vicinity," he stated to media outlets, noting that he hoped to make Benin City "a cultural destination."

Mowaa, a not-for-profit national foundation, envisions itself creating in excess of 30,000 work positions and adding above $80m annually to the area arts sector through partnerships and programming.

Investment and Administrative Problems

It has required $25m to achieve this stage – funds raised from multiple contributors, such as the European governments, the UK museum and the regional authorities.

But currently the state authorities has revoked permission from below it – terminating the use of the site on which the facility was constructed.

An official representative clarified this was because in the original paperwork it had identified as Edo Museum of West African Art – and it had since removed "the regional name" from its name.

Unrest and Official Response

This statement followed rallies on the weekend, when activists entered the campus calling for it be named the Royal Benin Museum.

A boisterous assembly harassed overseas dignitaries at the venue prior to the launch – compelling them to be escorted out under security protection.

National leader Bola Tinubu has also stepped in to attempt to settle the tensions, creating a special task force to do some damage control.

Political Complexities

But how has this turned into so politicised – and such a PR disaster?

Much of it comes down to internecine rivalries at a local state level, as it was the former state leader Godwin Obaseki – whose governance concluded last year – who was a major backer of the museum.

And it appears the leadership of the recently elected official, a strong supporter of the regional monarch, known as the traditional leader, may desire more of a stake in the venture. The activists on the weekend, for case, were calling for that the museum be placed under the supervision of the current Oba.

The Historical Objects Discussion

This highlights the disputed topic of the cultural artifacts, one of the region's most renowned historical legacy.

Because even if the institution does ultimately welcome visitors, these bronzes will be noticeably missing.

They are metal, ivory and timber sculptures that once decorated the royal palace of the ancient kingdom before colonial troops stole them in the colonial era during a punitive expedition.

Today, thousands stay distributed across museums in the West -- including the British Museum, German museum and the New York institution.

Return Initiatives

Their return has become one of the most contested discussions in the global art world. About 150 have presently been returned – and more are due to follow.

When ideas for the institution in Benin City were originally proposed in 2019, the key players on the national arts community anticipated it would become their natural home – a modern facility to show them off to the global audience.

But the situation became complicated recently after the federal government declared that the royal leader would be the proper guardian of any returned bronzes – and the monarch's court advocated for a museum under the king's authority, contrary to the desires of the former governor.

Political Navigation

This left Mowaa in a challenging circumstance: maintaining a definite position on return while remaining diplomatic on guardianship – and stressing its wider mission, which led to|c