The Museum of West African Art Was Not Supposed to Divide Benin

If you’ve been on X today, you’ve probably seen “MOWAA” trending, and not for the reasons anyone hoped.

Reports surfaced that thugs were allegedly mobilised to harass guests and international donors who had come to visit the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City.

What was supposed to be a peaceful, art-filled event turned chaotic, and now there’s a heated conversation about how things got this bad and what it means for Benin’s image on the global stage.

What Is MOWAA?

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is one of the largest cultural projects in Nigeria. MOWAA is a modern museum and research centre in Benin City, designed to tell our story from our perspective.

It’s meant to be a home for art, archaeology, and heritage, especially as discussions about the return of the Benin Bronzes (looted artefacts from the 1897 British invasion) continue across Europe and America.

Read Next: Nigeria to receive single-largest antiquities return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands.

MOWAA is a bold statement about reclaiming our narrative, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and building pride around our roots.

Then Came the Chaos

MOWAA has hosted a series of events featuring guests from across the world, including diplomats, art curators, and donor representatives. Earlier today, reports emerged that thugs invaded the premises and harassed the guests.

Show of shame!

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