By Ayo Kehinde
The Federal Government has condemned the recent disturbances at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, describing the incident as a direct threat to the nation’s cultural heritage.
Tension broke out on Sunday when a group of protesters reportedly stormed the museum premises, vandalised property, and ordered international investors and visitors to leave the site.
The disruption occurred during a closed-door preview event for cultural partners and investors, prompting a swift response from security agencies.
The incident comes amid ongoing disagreements between the museum’s management and traditional authorities in Benin over the custodianship of the historic Benin Bronzes, which were taken during the British invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, on Sunday, described the development as troubling. She said the museum plays a vital role in the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural history and must not be undermined.
“Our cultural institutions are custodians of Nigeria’s history and collective memory.
“The reported disruption at MOWAA not only endangers a cherished cultural asset but also threatens the peaceful environment needed for cultural exchange and the preservation of our artistic heritage,” she said.
Musawa noted that the Presidency had been briefed on the situation and that the Ministry is working with the Edo State Government, security agencies, and cultural stakeholders to restore calm and address the underlying concerns.
She acknowledged citizens’ rights to protest but stressed that such actions must remain lawful.
“No right extends to the destruction or desecration of national cultural assets,” she warned.
The Minister urged all parties involved to pursue dialogue and lawful dispute resolution mechanisms instead of confrontational tactics.
“To the MOWAA community and cultural stakeholders across Nigeria, the Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding the institutions where our heritage is preserved and celebrated.
“Necessary measures will be taken to protect these spaces and uphold the rule of law,” she added.
Musawa said the incident underscores the need for continued cooperation, respect, and peace in the cultural sector, noting that Nigeria’s cultural identity can only flourish in an environment free of violence and division.
