The House of Representatives has passed a resolution to investigate the establishment, funding, and governance of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin City, Edo State.
The move follows a protest last week that forced the indefinite postponement of the museum’s opening, raising concerns about the management and oversight of the institution.
Sponsored by lawmakers from Edo State, the motion seeks to scrutinize the museum’s governance framework, which critics argue appears to place control in the hands of private and foreign interests.
Lawmakers also raised questions about the museum’s funding sources, legal arrangements, and level of government involvement, emphasizing the need to prevent potential exploitation.
The resolution comes days after President Bola Tinubu established a high-level Presidential Committee to develop a comprehensive framework for resolving disputes between MOWAA and the Oba of Benin Palace.
Last Sunday, protesters disrupted a museum event in Benin City, prompting authorities to temporarily postpone the opening. The newly formed presidential committee is tasked with resolving outstanding issues through dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to constitutional provisions.
The committee will be chaired by Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, and includes representatives from the Presidency, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, National Council for Arts and Culture, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Edo State Government, and international partners, including German and French embassy officials.
The House’s resolution signals a heightened legislative interest in ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper government oversight in the operations of MOWAA.
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