House probes MOWAA in Edo State over governance, funding, and foreign influence as Nigeria receives repatriated Benin Bronzes

The House of Representatives on Tuesday launched a major investigation into the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Edo State, following concerns over its governance, funding, and potential foreign influence.

Also read: Benin Bronzes repatriation Marks Historic Cultural Victory

The probe was prompted by reports that the museum’s management may be ceding undue control to private or foreign entities, raising questions about Nigeria’s sovereignty over its cultural patrimony.

Tensions escalated recently when a museum exhibition was abruptly cancelled after protesters disrupted the event, forcing police intervention to protect attending foreign envoys.

Lawmakers voted for the investigation after adopting a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Esosa Iyawe and co-sponsored by six Edo State representatives, including Julius Ihonvbere, Peter Akpatason, Billy Osawaru, Omosede Igbinedion, Marcus Onobun, and Okojie Odianosen.

Leading the debate, Iyawe cautioned that MOWAA, conceived as a premier hub for West African heritage, must not become a “backdoor for foreign entities to influence or control Nigeria’s cultural property.”

He stressed that international agreements on the repatriation of the Benin Bronzes were based on the principle that the artifacts would remain under Nigerian public trust and control.

Lawmakers highlighted additional issues regarding the museum’s legal framework, donor arrangements, tax waivers, and land allocations.

Ihonvbere emphasised transparency, saying, “We cannot allow any ambiguity around ownership, land allocation, tax waivers, or foreign partnerships. Nigeria’s cultural assets cannot be traded off under the guise of development support.”

Omosede Igbinedion drew attention to the sidelining of traditional authorities, including the Palace of the Oba of Benin, stating, “The custodians of the Benin heritage deserve full transparency and involvement.

Their exclusion raises legitimate concerns.” Marcus Onobun added that opaque funding sources and governance structures could create conflicts of interest and expose national heritage to exploitation.

The House resolved to establish an ad hoc committee tasked with scrutinising MOWAA’s establishment, funding model, donor influence, and governance.

The panel is expected to assess the level of government oversight, the safeguards protecting Nigeria’s ownership of cultural assets, and report back within four weeks.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen assured members that Nigeria’s heritage would be vigorously defended. “Our heritage is non-negotiable. This investigation is necessary to ensure transparency and national interest,” he said.

The investigation coincides with Nigeria’s renewed momentum in restitution efforts. Just a day prior, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy received two Benin Bronzes—a bronze relief plaque and a commemorative head—returned from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Also read: Benin City Land Returned to State Central Hospital after Revocation

The handover, overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and witnessed by high chiefs representing the Oba of Benin, adds to the 285 artifacts repatriated over the past eight years from the United States, the Netherlands, and the UK’s Horniman Museum.