What Impact Will Nigeria's $25M Museum Have on the Benin Bronzes?

The Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) in Benin City, Nigeria, has become embroiled in local political controversies just as it was set to open. Despite five years of preparation and an investment of $25 million (£19 million), the museum faces challenges due to disputes over its name and control, particularly related to the contentious return of the Benin Bronzes. Mowaa aims to enhance the region's creative economy and serve as a cultural hub but currently stands at a crossroads in its mission.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Currently, the Mowaa is facing significant political challenges just as it was poised to welcome its first visitors. The Edo state government has revoked the museum's use of land due to a name change from "Edo Museum of West African Art" to simply "Museum of West African Art." This decision was prompted by protests from local citizens who demand that the museum be associated with the Benin royal family, specifically under the influence of the Oba, Oba Ewuare II. The situation has escalated to the point where President Bola Tinubu has intervened, creating a committee to address the tensions surrounding the museum.

Key takeaways

• Mowaa, a $25 million project, aims to celebrate West African art and culture.
• The museum's opening has been delayed amid political disputes and protests.
• Local governance issues and rivalries have complicated its mission and operations.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of the Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) can be traced through key moments:

• 2018: Initial plans for the museum are announced, aimed at creating a modern cultural hub in Benin City.
• 2019: Construction begins on the six-hectare campus, designed by architect Sir David Adjaye.
• 2022: The museum's name is simplified from "Edo Museum of West African Art" to "Museum of West African Art," which later becomes contentious.
• October 2023: Scheduled opening delayed due to land use issues and local protests; President Tinubu intervenes.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

In the latest developments, Edo state authorities have revoked Mowaa's land use rights, citing the removal of "Edo" from the museum's name as a key factor. This decision came after protests demanding the museum be associated with the Benin royal family, which has intensified the political tensions surrounding the museum's opening.

What was already established

Prior to these events, Mowaa was positioned as a significant cultural institution intended to support the local creative economy and provide a platform for contemporary African art. The museum was expected to play a pivotal role in the restitution conversation surrounding the Benin Bronzes, which are key cultural artefacts historically linked to the region.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The political turmoil surrounding Mowaa may have indirect implications for UK audiences interested in African art and culture. As discussions about the return of the Benin Bronzes continue, UK institutions housing these artefacts may face increased scrutiny and pressure to address their colonial pasts.

Businesses and jobs

The museum was projected to create over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing significantly to the regional economy. However, the current political climate may jeopardise these economic benefits and discourage investment in local creative industries.

Policy and regulation

The ongoing disputes reflect broader issues around cultural ownership and institutional governance, raising important questions for policymakers in both Nigeria and the UK regarding the management and restitution of cultural artefacts.

Numbers that matter

• $25 million (£19 million): Total investment in Mowaa.
• 30,000: Projected number of jobs created by the museum.
• $80 million (£60 million): Expected annual contribution to the regional creative economy.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Mowaa: Museum of West African Art, a cultural institution in Benin City, Nigeria.
• Benin Bronzes: A group of historically significant brass, ivory, and wooden sculptures looted from the Benin Kingdom in 1897.
• Oba: The title for the king in the Benin Kingdom, a significant figure in local governance and culture.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, stakeholders will need to engage in negotiations to resolve the land use issue and address the concerns raised by local protesters. The presidential committee's findings will be crucial in determining the museum's ability to open.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Depending on the outcomes of negotiations, Mowaa may need to reassess its branding and governance structures to align with local expectations and political realities. This could include discussions about the museum's relationship with the Oba and potential changes to its mission.

Signals to watch

• Developments from the presidential committee regarding Mowaa.
• Public sentiment and protests surrounding the museum's opening.
• Changes in local government policies affecting cultural institutions.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about developments in the Mowaa situation and how they relate to broader cultural debates.
• Engage with local art communities to understand their perspectives on the museum's role.
• Support initiatives aimed at returning cultural artefacts to their places of origin.

Don’t

• Assume that the issues surrounding Mowaa are isolated from broader cultural restitution conversations.
• Dismiss the significance of local governance in shaping cultural institutions.
• Overlook the potential economic impact of Mowaa on the regional creative economy.

Checklist

• Follow news from local and international media about Mowaa.
• Engage with cultural discussions about the Benin Bronzes.
• Consider the implications of museum governance on local heritage.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation surrounding Mowaa remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and protests highlighting the complexities of cultural ownership and governance in Nigeria. There is a risk that the museum may not open as planned, which could impact its long-term viability and the broader discourse around the return of the Benin Bronzes. Stakeholders should remain aware of the potential for evolving political dynamics that may influence cultural institutions in the region.

Bottom line

Mowaa stands at a critical juncture, facing both opportunities and significant challenges as it seeks to become a beacon of contemporary African creativity. The resolution of its political issues will be essential not only for its opening but also for the future of cultural restitution discussions in Nigeria and beyond.

FAQs

What is the Museum of West African Art (Mowaa)?

Mowaa is a cultural institution in Benin City, Nigeria, aimed at celebrating and promoting West African art and creativity.

Why was the opening of Mowaa delayed?

The opening was delayed due to political disputes over its name and control, particularly involving local protests demanding a connection to the Benin royal family.

What are the Benin Bronzes?

The Benin Bronzes are a collection of brass, ivory, and wooden artefacts that were looted from the Benin Kingdom during a British expedition in 1897, and their return has become a significant issue in the global art world.