Protesters disrupt event at Nigerian museum embroiled in looted artefacts row

"Protesters have disrupted a preview event at a new museum in Nigeria that has become embroiled in a bitter 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."

"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."

"Mowaa is a highly anticipated art campus comprising conservation labs, galleries, and studios aimed at fostering exchanges around west African art. Originally called the Edo Museum of West African Art, it is in what was once the capital of the ancient Benin empire, whose vassal states included modern-day Lagos. Benin City is now the capital of Edo state. The museum, which is co-funded by French and German governments as well as private donors, was supposed to host to host several of the Benin bronzes"

Protesters disrupted a preview event at the Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) in Benin City, chanting in Bini and prompting security to usher out visitors. Demonstrators caused minor damage to the reception pavilion and stormed the front exhibition area, prompting an apology and delaying the public opening. Mowaa comprises conservation labs, galleries, and studios intended to foster exchanges around West African art. The museum is co-funded by French and German governments and private donors and was expected to host returned Benin bronzes looted by British soldiers during the 1897 punitive expedition.

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