Protesters Disrupt Pre-Opening of West African Art Museum in Nigeria

In a setback for the cultural preservation efforts in Nigeria, the planned opening of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin City has been postponed indefinitely. The museum, launched five years ago by Nigerian businessman Phillip Ihenacho, was scheduled to officially open this past Tuesday, November 7th.

However, the launch was disrupted on Sunday when around 20 men, some armed with wooden bats, stormed into the museum courtyard during a private pre-opening event for donors and industry professionals. The protesters, whose exact demands remain unclear, caused minor damage before the guests were escorted away to a nearby hotel.

The MOWAA was established with the support of Nigeria's former Edo State governor, and has also received financing from the French, German, and British governments, as well as the British Museum and private donors. It was set to house exhibition spaces, archives, and host residencies for West African artists and craftspeople.

But the museum's opening has been marred by tensions between the former state governor and his successor, who is an ally of Benin City's traditional ruler, Oba Ewuare II. The Oba claims he should be in charge of the museum, leading to the disruption of the pre-opening event.

Nigeria's Culture Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa has condemned the incident, stating that it "endangers a treasured cultural asset" and threatens the peaceful environment necessary for cultural exchange and preservation of the country's artistic heritage. Authorities are now working to establish a full understanding of the circumstances and determine an appropriate response.