THE House of Representatives on Tuesday launched an investigation into the establishment, funding, and governance structure of the Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Edo State.
Thed move followed growing concerns that the new cultural complex may be operating under arrangements that grant undue influence to foreign and private interests.
A recent exhibition at the museum turned chaotic and was abruptly cancelled after an invasion by protesters, with the police moving in to rescue foreign envoys in attendance.
The probe comes at a critical time as Nigeria receives historic batches of repatriated Benin Bronzes from international museums, intensifying scrutiny over the permanent repository for these priceless artifacts.
Leading the debate, Iyawe warned that a project envisioned as a premier West African cultural heritage hub must not become a “backdoor for foreign entities to influence or control Nigeria’s cultural property.”
Iyawe stated: “Credible reports suggest that the ownership and governance framework of MOWAA may have created an arrangement that places excessive influence in the hands of private or foreign interests. This would be contrary to Nigeria’s sovereignty over her cultural patrimony.”
Lawmakers raised additional concerns regarding the museum’s legal status, donor agreements, tax waivers, and land allocations.
The motion’s so-sponsor, Julius Ihonvbere, emphasised the need for transparency.
“We cannot allow any ambiguity around ownership, land allocation, tax waivers, or foreign partnerships. Nigeria’s cultural assets cannot be traded off under the guise of development support,” Ihonvbere warned.
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