The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the establishment, funding structure, and governance framework of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) in Benin City, Edo State, following growing public concern and a protest that disrupted the museum’s scheduled opening last week.
The decision was reached at Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers from Edo State raised a motion highlighting alleged inconsistencies in the legal and administrative arrangements guiding the project.
According to the sponsors, the current governance structure appears to vest significant control in the hands of private and foreign actors, prompting fears of possible exploitation and limited government oversight.
Lawmakers also queried the source and management of funds used in establishing the museum, saying clarity was needed to determine the extent of federal and state government involvement, the legality of the project’s agreements, and whether national cultural assets could be compromised.
The move by the House comes just days after President Bola Tinubu constituted a high-level Presidential Committee to resolve disputes between MOWAA and the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
The committee was set up as tensions escalated over the museum’s ownership, cultural authority, and its relationship with the Benin Royal Court—issues that triggered a protest on Sunday, leading to the indefinite postponement of a scheduled event at the museum.
The newly-inaugurated presidential committee will be chaired by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
Its membership includes officials from the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Art and Culture, the National Council for Arts and Culture, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, representatives of the Oba of Benin’s Palace, Edo State Government officials, and international partners, including delegates from the German and French embassies.
According to the Presidency, the committee is expected to engage all parties and produce a lasting framework grounded in dialogue, respect for cultural heritage, and compliance with constitutional provisions.
The House investigation will run concurrently with the presidential effort, marking the first time both arms of government are intervening simultaneously in the controversies surrounding MOWAA.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
