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Nigeria's stunning new Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) has ended up in the crosshairs of regional political struggles during the time it was scheduled to – but did not manage – to begin operations to the public for the very first time.

The Ambitious Project

The 15-acre campus stands in the heart of the Edo state capital, administrative center of the southern state of Edo – and includes an excavation site and structures designed by celebrated dual heritage architect Sir David Adjaye, best known for the Washington African American Museum that began operations in Washington in 2016.

It has been 60 months in the making – and is envisioned to showcase both the past and the modern times of artistic expression in the region famous for the historic artworks, artworks stolen from the king's palace by UK forces in the 19th Century.

Readiness and Potential

It is notable – and ahead of the scheduled opening, Mowaa was energetic with employees committed to prove it is a venue that can compete with established art institutions in the West.

Inside conservators carefully opened cultural items from secure wrapping, examining each item and taking meticulous documentation before placing them on exhibition areas and bases.

Experts calibrated temperature regulation systems. In the research lab, staff members set up instruments meant to conserve ancient objects.

Funding and Economic Goals

The initiative has been the idea of entrepreneur Phillip Ihenacho – currently Mowaa's executive director.

"I hope us to have a significant economic benefit on area populations in this region," he stated to media outlets, adding that he hoped to make this urban center "a tourism center."

Mowaa, a not-for-profit local organization, sees itself establishing over 30,000 employment opportunities and contributing more than $80m per year to the local cultural industry through collaborations and events.

Financial Support and Government Issues

It has taken $25m to achieve this stage – money collected from multiple donors, featuring the European governments, the British Museum and the regional authorities.

But at present the local government has revoked permission from below it – revoking the occupancy of the land on which the facility was constructed.

An official representative clarified this was because in the original paperwork it had referred to itself as the Edo-named institution – and it had subsequently dropped "Edo" from its designation.

Protests and Political Intervention

This announcement was preceded by protests on the weekend, when protesters invaded the facility demanding it be named the Royal Benin Museum.

A disruptive assembly confronted international visitors at the museum prior to the inauguration – compelling them to be hurried away under security protection.

Head of state Bola Tinubu has additionally intervened to work to address the dispute, establishing a high-level committee to address the controversy.

Political Complexities

But in what way has this become so controversial – and such a reputation problem?

The majority of it stems from internecine rivalries at a regional government level, as it was Edo's previous governor Godwin Obaseki – whose term in office ended the previous year – who was a major backer of the museum.

And it looks like the government of the new governor, a strong supporter of the local traditional ruler, referred to as the traditional leader, may seek increased control in the venture. The protesters on that day, for case, were demanding that the institution be placed under the supervision of Oba Ewuare II.

The Historical Objects Discussion

This brings into focus the contentious issue of the historical artworks, one of the continent's most celebrated cultural treasures.

Because even if the institution does ultimately open, these bronzes will be noticeably missing.

They are metal, elephant tusk and wooden sculptures that once adorned the monarch's home of the ancient kingdom before British soldiers looted them in 1897 during a punitive expedition.

Nowadays, numerous continue to be scattered across museums in Europe and North America -- such as the UK institution, Berlin's Humboldt Forum and the American museum.

Restitution Efforts

Their return has become one of the most contested debates in the global art world. About 150 have currently made their way home – and further are due to follow.

When proposals for the institution in the urban center were initially revealed in 2019, the movers and shakers on the country's cultural sector expected it would become their perfect venue – a state-of-the-art facility to show them off to the global audience.

But the waters were muddied some time back after the federal government stated that the royal leader would be the rightful owner of repatriated artifacts – and the palace pushed for a museum under the monarch's supervision, against the wishes of the ex-leader.

Diplomatic Challenges

This placed Mowaa in a challenging circumstance: asserting a clear stance on repatriation while being careful on custodianship – and emphasising its larger purpose, which led to|c