There was pandemonium on Sunday in Benin City, Edo State when thugs invaded a private exhibition hosted by the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).
It was gathered that among the dignitaries in attendance at the Arts Exhibition preceding the commissioning of the Museum of West African Arts ( MOWAA) on the 11th of November, 2025 were the European Union Ambassadors , the German and Danish ambassadors to Nigeria and some other foreign dignitaries.
A viral video circulating online shows where a mob forcefully stormed the premises of the Museum of West African Arts( MOWAA), declaring that the museum “belonged to the Oba of Benin.”
The narrator is overheard saying
“Say no to MOWAA. UK TV joining all the socio-cultural to ensure MOWAA can not stand in Benin Kingdom.
“We are illustrious sons of Benin Kingdom, standing right here to say no to MOWAA. Politicians cannot stand against the kingdom of Benin.”
“We are the Asoro of our time!
We come in peace; harmless, we are standing for justice to stop MOWAA.
The thugs chanted songs in local language seem to be solidarity songs.
Recall that some groups a fortnight protested the planned commissioning of the Museum of West African Arts ( MOWAA) , scheduled for 11th of November, 2025, insisting that the project, was against the interest of the Oba of Benin and the planned Benin Royal Museum.
Also the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebolo while hosting the Oba of Benin on Friday, 7th of November , said “Your Majesty, I wanted to make a speech, but the video we just watched, where former Governor Godwin Obaseki promised to build the Benin Royal Museum as a gift to you, has already made it for me. The issue of the Museum of West African Art is over. It was a birthday gift to Your Majesty, and it will be restored as such.”
He continued: “I am glad that the Attorney-General, our political leaders, and other stakeholders are here to witness this. I will take this video to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has immense respect for culture and is a personal friend of the Palace. I am confident that Mr. President will not support any act that undermines the dignity of the Benin Kingdom.” the governor said.
Reacting, the Edo State Police Command in a statement by Deputy Police Public Relation Officer ASP Eno Ikoedem said that the police gathered a credible intelligence regarding a planned protest aimed at disrupting the official launch of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City . And that the police quickly provided adequate security to forestall any breakdown of law and other.
He said. “The Edo State Police on the 9th of November, 2025 received a credible information about a planned protest against the Museum of West African Arts ( MOWAA)
In response, the Command made adequate security deployment to the venue to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
“The protesters were addressed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, thereby de-escalating the tension.
“Normalcy was immediately restored, while expatriates and other guests at the venue were safely evacuated to their respective hotels without any hitch.
“The Command assures the public that the situation is fully under control, and engagements are ongoing with relevant stakeholders to address any grievances through lawful and peaceful means.
“The Edo State Police Command remains committed to its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property, maintaining public peace, and ensuring that the rights of citizens are respected within the ambit of the law.
“The Command therefore urges members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear, as adequate security measures have been put in place across the state.” He concluded.