Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Protesters Disrupt Benin City Museum Soft Opening Amid Heritage Concerns
Imagine a new art museum was built in Nigeria to show old artifacts that were taken away long ago.
Before it could open to everyone, some people came and protested during a special party for guests.
These protesters said the museum should be run by the city's traditional ruler, the Oba of Benin.
They believe it's part of their cultural heritage.
Because of the protest, guests had to leave, and the museum stopped all its activities.
The museum is privately owned but gets money from different places, including other famous museums.
A law says the Oba is in charge of the artifacts.
The opening might be delayed because of this disagreement.
Protesters disrupted the soft opening of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin City, Nigeria, chanting support for the Oba of Benin.
The protesters claimed the museum's operation violates Benin City's cultural heritage and falls under the traditional ruler's authority.
Guests at the event, including foreigners, were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
The museum, intended to house returned artifacts like the Benin Bronzes, has postponed further activities following the disruption.
A 2023 law designates the Oba of Benin as the custodian of the museum's artifacts, adding complexity to the dispute.
- Who
- Protesters supporting the Oba of Benin, guests including foreigners, and the MOWAA trust.
- What
- Protesters disrupted the soft opening of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin City, leading to its suspension of activities and potential postponement of its official opening.
- When
- Sunday evening, prior to the scheduled Tuesday opening.
- Where
- Benin City, Nigeria.
- Why
- Protesters claimed the museum's operation violates Benin City's cultural heritage and that it falls under the authority of the Oba of Benin, Nigeria's traditional ruler.
Museum Management & Supporters
Protesters & Oba of Benin's Palace Representatives
Cultural Heritage Authority
Museum Management & Supporters
The museum, a privately owned non-profit (MOWAA trust), was established with support from the former state government, the British Museum, and German museums, intending to house returned artifacts like the Benin Bronzes.
Protesters & Oba of Benin's Palace Representatives
Protesters believe the museum's operation violates Benin City's cultural heritage and falls under the authority of the Oba of Benin, Nigeria's traditional ruler.
Displayed Artifacts
Museum Management & Supporters
The museum was intended to display returned Benin Bronzes, with the MOWAA trust receiving funds from various governmental and institutional sources.
Protesters & Oba of Benin's Palace Representatives
Following disputes with the Oba, plans to display the returned bronzes at the museum were shelved, and protesters chanted in support of the Oba during the disruption.
- Museum Name
- Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA)
- Location
- Benin City, Nigeria
- Incident Date
- Sunday evening
- Scheduled Opening
- Tuesday
- Ownership
- Privately owned by MOWAA trust
- Funding Sources
- Former state government, British Museum, German museum, grants
- Artifact Custodianship Law
- 2023 law designates Oba as custodian of museum artifacts
