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Nigeria's impressive new West African Art Museum (Mowaa) has landed in the middle of local power politics during the period it was expected to – but was unable – to begin operations to the general public for the first time.

The Grand Vision

The 15-acre complex is located in the center of Benin City, capital of the southern region of Edo – and includes an archaeological dig and structures designed by high-profile Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye, most famous for the Washington African American Museum that opened in the US capital in 2016.

It has been half a decade in the creation – and is designed to showcase both the heritage and the modern times of creativity in the locale renowned for the Benin Bronzes, cultural objects looted from the king's palace by UK forces in the 1800s.

Preparation and Promise

It is remarkable – and before the planned opening, Mowaa was active with staff resolved to prove it is a institution that can compete with established art institutions in the Western world.

Internally conservators meticulously opened cultural items from secure wrapping, examining each piece and taking detailed notes before positioning them on exhibition areas and bases.

Specialists calibrated environmental controls. In the research lab, officers set up equipment designed to preserve ancient artefacts.

Funding and Economic Goals

The project has been the idea of investor Phillip Ihenacho – presently Mowaa's chief executive.

"I hope us to have a substantial financial effect on area populations around here," he explained to media outlets, mentioning that he aspired to make Benin City "an arts hub."

Mowaa, a charitable national foundation, envisions itself creating over 30,000 work positions and contributing over $80m annually to the area arts sector through collaborations and programming.

Funding Sources and Political Challenges

It has taken $25m to reach this point – capital raised from multiple contributors, featuring the French and German governments, the UK museum and the local administration.

But now the state authorities has revoked permission from below it – revoking the use of the property on which the facility was constructed.

An Edo state spokesperson clarified this was because in the initial documents it had identified as EMOWAA – and it had since dropped "the regional name" from its title.

Demonstrations and Government Action

This announcement was preceded by rallies on the weekend, when people stormed the campus calling for it be designated the Royal Benin Museum.

A boisterous assembly confronted overseas dignitaries at the museum ahead of the inauguration – compelling them to be hurried away under official guard.

Head of state Bola Tinubu has also stepped in to work to address the conflict, establishing a presidential committee to address the controversy.

Governance Issues

But in what way has this evolved into so divisive – and such a reputation problem?

Much of it results from internecine rivalries at a local state level, as it was the former state leader Godwin Obaseki – whose governance concluded last year – who was a key supporter of the project.

And it seems the administration of the recently elected official, a close ally of the regional monarch, known as the Oba, may want greater involvement in the project. The protesters on the weekend, for example, were calling for that the museum be positioned under the authority of the royal leader.

The Benin Bronzes Controversy

This emphasizes the contentious issue of the cultural artifacts, one of Africa's most celebrated historical legacy.

Because even if the institution does finally begin operations, these objects will be clearly not present.

They are metal, elephant tusk and timber artworks that once embellished the royal palace of the ancient kingdom before UK forces took them in 1897 during a military operation.

Today, thousands remain scattered across institutions in Europe and North America -- featuring the London museum, Berlin's Humboldt Forum and the New York institution.

Return Initiatives

Their repatriation has become one of the most disputed debates in the global art world. Approximately 150 have presently made their way home – and more are scheduled to be repatriated.

When ideas for the museum in Benin City were originally proposed in 2019, the influential figures on the country's cultural sector hoped it would become their perfect venue – a modern campus to display them to the international community.

But the situation became complicated two years ago after the federal government stated that the traditional ruler would be the legal custodian of any returned bronzes – and the monarch's court pushed for a institution under the monarch's supervision, against the desires of the ex-leader.

Diplomatic Challenges

This left Mowaa in a delicate position: maintaining a clear stance on restitution while staying tactful on guardianship – and highlighting its wider mission, which led to|c