Protest at Mowaa comes amid dispute over ownership of Benin bronzes looted by British colonial forces
Protesters have disrupted a preview event at a new museum in Nigeria that has become embroiled in a row over the restitution of artefacts looted by British colonial forces.
In a video circulating on social media, demonstrators were seen loudly chanting: “Oba ghato kpere ise” (“Long live the king” in Bini language) while foreign and local visitors were ushered out of the Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) by security personnel in Benin City. Reporters at the scene said there was minor damage to the museum, which is due to open to the public on Tuesday.
Phillip Ihenacho, Mowaa’s director, told Agence France-Presse: “Protesters entered and began vandalising part of the reception pavilion, where we receive visitors, then they stormed inside the front section, where the exhibition area is located.”
In a statement, the museum said it was deeply grateful to guests for their patience. “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this situation may have caused,” it said.
