Tension erupted on Sunday in Benin City as an angry mob stormed the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) during its preview event, chasing away foreign visitors and tourists who had gathered for the opening.
The crowd, chanting indigenous songs, claimed they were defending the sovereignty of the Oba of Benin and protesting what they described as an “attempt to undermine the Benin Kingdom.”
According to eyewitnesses, the mob disrupted the event shortly after it began, forcing police officers to intervene and escort the tourists to safety.
Dockaysworld learnt that , the museum’s curator, Aindrea Emelife, had earlier addressed the visiting guests, briefing them on the progress made on the project.
The event had drawn visitors from across the world eager to witness what was expected to be a landmark development in West African art and culture.
The police were seen guiding the visitors away from the museum premises to prevent escalation, as chants continued outside the building.
The incident underscores deepening tensions over the ownership and purpose of MOWAA, a project that has long divided opinion in Edo State.
While some see it as an opportunity to put Benin City on the international map and attract creative investments, others allege that the project, initiated under former Governor Godwin Obaseki, involved questionable dealings and sidelined the Benin Royal Palace.
About a day ago, Oba Ewuare II had reiterated that the project was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum, supported by international donors and intended to house repatriated artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin.
“The project was meant to be the Benin Royal Museum,” the Oba said. “I fully support my people who protested against the attempted opening of MOWAA. The House of Assembly should continue its investigation into its funding and ownership. The world recognizes it as the Benin Royal Museum, and it must remain so.”
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, also announced on Friday at the same event as the Oba, that the government had resolved to return the project to its original vision.
“The project will be restored to its original purpose as the Benin Royal Museum, conceived to celebrate and preserve the heritage of the Benin Kingdom,” he stated.
It’s unclear how the situation will be remedied for the benefit of the people of Edo state and its respected traditions.
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