Geraldine Kendall Adams, Political row delays opening of Nigeria’s Museum of West African Art, Museums Association, 13 November 2025
Edo state governor revokes land ownership rights in dispute over museum’s name and mission
The opening of the Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) in Nigeria has been postponed until further notice after protesters disrupted a preview event in a political row over the museum’s title and mission.
The new £40m museum in Benin City, Edo State, was designed by Adjaye Architects and is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of West African heritage, arts and culture.
The delay stems from a row involving the state government, the royal palace of Edo and the museum’s trustees.
Read more: Protest Erupts at Benin’s Museum of West African Art, Delaying Its Opening