MOWAA Resumes Dialogue, Postpones its Opening Exhibition ‘Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming’

Yinka Olatunbosun

On the heels of recent protests that halted its official opening, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has made the difficult yet necessary decision to postpone the public opening events for its flagship exhibition “Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming” as it works closely with local and national decision-makers to ensure that the Museum continues to offer a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all visitors.

The MOWAA Institute’s important ongoing programmes in research, art conservation, education and professional training are fully active whilst doors remain closed to the public.

The announcement follows the welcome appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, of a high-level Presidential committee to develop a comprehensive framework for the permanent resolution of all related matters through dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to constitutional provisions. MOWAA remains dedicated to balancing
Nigeria’s important sovereign cultural interests with international partnerships and diplomatic considerations, to the benefit of its core audiences.

The Committee is chaired by the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, and includes representatives from the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the National Council for Arts and Culture, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Edo State Government, and international partners (including German and French embassy representatives).

MOWAA’s long-term vision hinges on its commitment to inspiring and empowering the next generation of creatives, artists and cultural thought leaders in Benin City, Nigeria and across West Africa. It is proud to work in alignment with other stakeholders and cultural institutions across the region, together galvanising the expansion of Benin City as a centre for cultural and artistic heritage; preserving an important past, whilst catalyzing a future that asserts the primacy of African and diasporic cultural production on its own terms.

MOWAA is positive that the continuation of these dialogues will clarify the institution’s
intentions to all, ensuring the Museum can soon welcome audiences to a fully operational, world-class centre which serves its core audiences—local communities, national stakeholders and international visitors—in a transparent, accountable and culturally respectful manner.

In a press statement dated November 14, Phillip Ihenacho, Director of MOWAA says: “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. This includes working together with other stakeholders, leaders and cultural institutions here to bolster the city’s economic development and strengthen its ambitions as a cultural capital for the region. As such, 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. We believe this moment can pave the way 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 adds: “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. We have deep respect for the monarch and people of Benin City. Over the last four years have sought to build inclusive practices that bring benefit to the city, its schools, universities and families. We wish to deepen and improve on this, as we work towards welcoming others through our doors.”

In her remarks, the Honourable Minister Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa affirms that “Cultural institutions are pillars of our national identity and must be protected through collaborative approaches that respect both traditional custodianship and modern institutional structures.”