Press Statement 10 November 2025
The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) wishes to clarify recent misconceptions circulating about its mission, holdings, and role within Benin City’s cultural landscape.
1. MOWAA holds His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II (CFR), the Oba of Benin, in the highest esteem and continues to uphold deep respect for the Benin Throne, making every effort to foster understanding and good will. We remain dedicated to engaging respectfully and are committed to a collective effort to contribute to the preservation and advancement of West Africa’s rich cultural legacy.
2. MOWAA does not hold, nor have we ever claimed title to any Benin Bronzes. Since our inception in 2020, the Museum has consistently affirmed that it has no claims to these artefacts. Our focus for the last four years has been firmly on broader West African art, research, education, and conservation, with a strong focus on modern and contemporary, as well as historical works from Nigeria and beyond. There are no Benin Bronzes on display at the Museum, nor have there ever been.
3. With regard to recent references to the Benin Royal Museum, we wish to clarify that MOWAA has never claimed nor presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum in order to secure funding. We would suggest that the relevant authorities confirm directly with any and all of our donors that we have never misrepresented our status.
4. We are committed to supporting other museums and cultural institutions in Benin City and across West Africa as part of our mission to contribute to the city’s economic development and strengthen its image as a cultural capital for the region. MOWAA’s goal has always been to complement, not compete with, other cultural institutions. We do this by fostering collaboration with artists, researchers, universities and museums across the region. We look forward to working as part of this wider ecosystem, supporting and strengthening Nigeria’s growing network of cultural institutions.
5. MOWAA wishes to clarify recent claims about a formal commissioning or official opening of the Museum. No such event has taken place. What we hosted was a private preview for partners and stakeholders, marking the start of our preview week for our first contemporary exhibition and a showcase of recently conserved historical works from Nigeria and West Africa. None of the historical works on display were of Benin heritage.
“We were saddened by the events of yesterday,” said Phillip Ihenacho, Director of MOWAA. “But we hope this moment can lead to renewed dialogue, engagement and understanding, so that together we can realise the full potential of what MOWAA can represent for Nigeria and Africa at large.”
Ore Disu, Director of MOWAA Institute, said: “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, and I’m incredibly proud and grateful for what we’ve accomplished so far. This is a gift for black and African people everywhere; for people today and future generations.”
The museum will remain closed until further notice.
This is the only official press statement from MOWAA on 10 November 2025. All other communications on this issue do not represent the Museum.