The Edo Progressive Advancement Coalition (EPAC), a socio-cultural intelligentsia comprising professionals and artisans, on Thursday called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the ongoing crisis surrounding the Museum of West Africa Arts (MOWAA), project in Benin City, describing the situation as a threat to Nigeria’s international reputation.
In an open letter titled ” MOWAA Reputation in the International Community” and signed by Prof. Akenuwa Obarogie, Coordinator General, and Dr. Clinton Omozokpia, Director of Media and Publicity, EPAC appealed to the President to step in “to safeguard Nigeria’s image and ensure peace in the creative and cultural sectors.”
“As a body of Edo sociocultural intelligentsia comprising professionals and artisans, we are appalled by the degrading scenarios that have transpired in the ancient city of Benin regarding a world-class museum that ought to be the pride of all,” the group stated during a press briefing.
According to EPAC, MOWAA, envisioned as a non-profit, world-class cultural destination, has the potential to reposition Nigeria as a hub for Africa’s arts, culture, and tourism.
The group praised President Tinubu’s efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and urged stakeholders to exercise restraint pending the findings of the Federal Government’s special investigative committee on MOWAA.
“We respectfully urge parties involved in the heightened tension to exercise restraint while the committee uncovers the facts about MOWAA as a non-profit world heritage centre,”
Prof. Obarogie said. “This is particularly important as the European Union and the international community are closely monitoring the huge investments made in the museum.”
He further described MOWAA as “a world-class institution dedicated to the study, conservation, and celebration of West African heritage,” emphasizing that it represents both a Nigerian and continental initiative celebrating “the shared artistic legacy of West Africa’s illustrious kingdoms and civilizations.”
He added that despite “recent challenges and conspiracy theories,” MOWAA remains “a beacon of cultural diplomacy and a vital instrument for salvaging Nigeria’s reputation within the global heritage community.”
EPAC also highlighted MOWAA’s growing international recognition, noting that the Ambassadors of European Union and German attended the museum’s private inaugural preview an event the management clarified was “a technical opening, not a formal public launch.”
“No claims of ownership have been made over the Benin Bronzes or other heritage artifacts,” the statement concluded. “MOWAA’s purpose and intentions remain clear to the general public”.
