The Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) has officially postponed its highly anticipated inaugural exhibition, Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming, following the revocation of its Certificate of Occupancy by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Presidential Intervention in Cultural Crisis
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has established a high-level presidential committee to develop a comprehensive framework for permanently resolving the dispute. The committee will operate through dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to constitutional provisions.
The committee is chaired by Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and includes representatives from multiple stakeholders:
- The Presidency and relevant ministries
- National Council for Arts and Culture
- National Commission for Museums and Monuments
- Palace of the Oba of Benin
- Edo State Government
- International partners including German and French embassy representatives
Growing Pressure from Cultural Advocates
The decision comes after the Edo Progressive Advancement Coalition (EPAC), a sociocultural intelligentsia group, called on President Tinubu to intervene in the crisis. In an open letter titled "MOWAA: Salvaging Nigeria's Reputation in the International Community," the group emphasized the project's potential to redefine Nigeria's position in Africa's arts, culture, and tourism industry.
The letter, signed by Coordinator General Prof. Akenuwa J. Obarogie and Director of Media and Publicity Dr. Clinton Odion Omozokpia, stated: "As a group that shares Your Excellency's pragmatic pursuit of Foreign Direct Investments to create job opportunities for millions of our unemployed graduates, we are compelled to add our voice to appeals urging Your Excellency to prevail on all agitated elements."
MOWAA's Commitment to Cultural Legacy
Phillip Ihenacho, Director of MOWAA, expressed the institution's dedication to preserving Benin City's cultural heritage. "We remain dedicated to engaging respectfully and collectively to the contribution of the preservation and advancement of Benin City's rich cultural legacy, and its people," he stated.
Ihenacho emphasized that MOWAA holds His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, in the highest esteem and continues to uphold deep respect for the Benin Throne. He believes the current situation could lead to renewed dialogue and understanding about MOWAA's potential benefits for Nigeria and Africa.
Ore Disu, Director of MOWAA Institute, highlighted their achievements: "We set out to demonstrate that it's possible to build world-class conservation facilities, research and exhibition spaces right here in Nigeria. We've shown that African stories can be told on our own terms."
Disu noted that over the past four years, MOWAA has worked to build inclusive practices benefiting Benin City's schools, universities, and families, expressing hope to deepen these relationships.
Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa reinforced the importance of cultural institutions, stating: "Cultural institutions are pillars of our national identity and must be protected through collaborative approaches that respect both traditional custodianship and modern institutional structures."
According to MOWAA, the institution aims to balance Nigeria's sovereign cultural interests with international partnerships and diplomatic considerations. The museum continues working with local and national decision-makers to maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all visitors.
MOWAA's long-term vision remains focused on inspiring and empowering the next generation of creatives, artists, and cultural thought leaders across Benin City, Nigeria, and West Africa. The institution remains positive that ongoing dialogues will clarify its intentions and eventually allow the museum to operate as a world-class center serving local communities, national stakeholders, and international visitors.
