The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has reaffirmed its respect for the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, CFR, and clarified its position regarding the Benin Bronzes.

In a statement issued in Benin City, the institution said it neither holds nor has ever claimed ownership of any Benin Bronzes. It explained that since its establishment in 2020, its focus has been on contemporary and historical art from Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, with no Benin Bronzes in its collection or on display.

The museum also addressed claims that it had misrepresented itself to secure funding as the Benin Royal Museum, describing the reports as incorrect. It urged stakeholders and donors to review its public records to confirm its transparency.

MOWAA further clarified that no formal commissioning or opening has taken place. The recent event in Benin City, it said, was a private preview for partners and stakeholders, featuring contemporary exhibitions and conserved artworks from across West Africa — none of which originated from Benin.

The statement read: “MOWAA holds His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II (CFR), the Oba of Benin, in the highest esteem and continues to uphold deep respect for the Benin Throne, making every effort to foster understanding and goodwill. We remain dedicated to engaging respectfully and are committed to a collective effort to contribute to the preservation and advancement of West Africa’s rich cultural legacy.

“MOWAA does not hold, nor have we ever claimed title to any Benin Bronzes. Since our inception in 2020, the Museum has consistently affirmed that it has no claims to these artefacts. Our focus for the last four years has been firmly on broader West African art, research, education, and conservation, with a strong focus on modern and contemporary, as well as historical works from Nigeria and beyond. There are no Benin Bronzes on display at the Museum, nor have there ever been.

“With regard to recent references to the Benin Royal Museum, we wish to clarify that MOWAA has never claimed nor presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum in order to secure funding. We would suggest that the relevant authorities confirm directly with any and all of our donors that we have never misrepresented our status.”

Commenting on the matter, the Museum’s Director, Phillip Ihenacho, expressed concern over recent misunderstandings and said the institution hoped for constructive dialogue.

“We hope this moment will lead to renewed dialogue and understanding about Nigeria’s shared cultural future,” he said.
Director of the MOWAA Institute, Ore Disu, added that the museum remains focused on its long-term vision. “We remain dedicated to building world-class facilities that tell African stories on African terms, as a lasting gift to black and African people globally,” she said.

The museum reiterated that it continues to engage with the Benin Palace and other cultural bodies in preserving West Africa’s heritage with respect and collaboration.