The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) on Monday has refuted claims and misconception over Benin Bronzes and Museum status following the controversy, dispute and the violent attack that disrupted the Sunday preview opening for stakeholders in Benin City, Edo state.
The managment of MOWAA in an official statement in Benin also reaffirmed it deep respect for His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II (CFR), and stressed its commitment to working collaboratively to preserve and promote West Africa’s cultural heritage.
The Director of MOWAA, Phillip Ihenacho in the statement also clarified that it does not hold, nor has it ever claimed ownership of, any Benin Bronzes.
“Since our inception in 2020, the Museum has consistently affirmed that it has no claims to these artefacts. Our focus for the last four years has been firmly on broader West African art, research, education, and conservation, with a strong focus on modern and contemporary, as well as historical works from Nigeria and beyond. There are no Benin Bronzes on display at the Museum, nor have there ever been.
Ihenacho added, ” With regard to recent references to the Benin Royal Museum, we wish to clarify that MOWAA has never claimed nor presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum in order to secure funding. We would suggest that the relevant authorities confirm directly with any and all of our donors that we have never misrepresented our status.
It also rejected suggestions that it had presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum to secure funding. MOWAA encouraged authorities and donors to verify that it has “never misrepresented” its identity or purpose in any way.
MOWAA further added that it aims to support other museums and cultural institutions in Benin City and across West Africa. “Our goal has always been to complement, not compete with, other cultural institutions,”
On the official opening said no such event has taken place adding that it was a “private preview for partners and stakeholders marking the start of a preview week for its first contemporary exhibition and a showcase of conserved historical worksnone of Benin heritage”.
“We were saddened by the events of yesterday,” said MOWAA Director Phillip Ihenacho. “But we hope this moment can lead 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 the MOWAA Institute, added: “We set out to demonstrate that it’s possible to build world-class conservation facilities, research, and exhibition spaces right here in Nigeria. This is a gift for black and African people everywhere; for people today and future generations.”
