President Bola Tinubu has constituted a high-level Presidential Committee to develop a lasting framework for resolving all controversies between the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
Naijaonpoint reports that this comes one week after protesters disrupted the opening of a significant event at MOWAA in Benin City, forcing organisers to postpone the programme.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, the committee will be chaired by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
The committee comprises representatives from the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, the National Council for Arts and Culture, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the Oba of Benin Palace, the Edo State Government, and international partners, including German institutions.
The mandate of the committee is to address all concerns “through dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to constitutional provisions.”
Following the unrest, MOWAA announced ...ponement of the public opening of its flagship exhibition, “Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming.”
The statement said the museum was working closely with national and local decision-makers to ensure the institution remains “a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all visitors.”
It added that while public access remains suspended, the MOWAA Institute’s programmes in research, art conservation, education and professional training continue without interruption.
MOWAA also reaffirmed its commitment to striking a balance between Nigeria’s cultural sovereignty and its international partnerships and diplomatic obligations.
“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 statement said.
MOWAA Director, Phillip Ihenacho, assured that the Museum remains committed to contributing to the preservation and advancement of Benin City’s rich cultural heritage.
He stated that the institution would continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders, cultural leaders, and local institutions to support the city’s economic growth and its ambitions to become a leading cultural capital in West Africa.
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