From Moshood Karim
In a move to address the controversy surrounding the violent protest that marred the official launch of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City on Sunday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted a high-level Presidential Committee to review the matter and develop a comprehensive framework for lasting resolution.
The development, announced on Monday, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural heritage and ensuring that all disputes are handled through dialogue, diplomacy, and due process.
The 14-member committee is chaired by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, and includes key representatives from the Presidency, the Oba of Benin’s Palace, the Edo State Government, foreign embassies, and prominent cultural institutions.
Among its distinguished members is the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Senator Neda Imasuen, who was appointed to the special committee in recognition of his deep understanding of Edo’s cultural landscape and his ongoing efforts to promote peace and unity in the State.
Other members include the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture; representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, German and French Embassies, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, and the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), among others.
According to the statement signed by the Director of Press of the Ministry, the committee’s mandate includes fact-finding, stakeholder consultations, and the formulation of actionable recommendations that will balance Nigeria’s sovereign cultural interests with international partnerships.
“This Presidential intervention demonstrates our unwavering dedication to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through peaceful means and established legal frameworks,” said Musawa. “Cultural institutions are pillars of our national identity and must be protected through collaborative approaches that respect both traditional custodianship and modern institutional structures.”
The committee is expected to submit its report directly to President Tinubu, paving the way for swift implementation of sustainable solutions that will strengthen Nigeria’s cultural ecosystem and restore confidence among stakeholders.
The Federal Government also urged all parties to maintain peace and cooperate fully with the committee, emphasising that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it also demands responsibility in its exercise.
“Our cultural spaces and artefacts represent our shared inheritance and deserve the highest level of protection, both morally and legally,” the statement added.
The move comes days after protests broke out in Benin City during the MOWAA launch, prompting nationwide calls for a structured and lasting resolution to the underlying issues surrounding the museum’s establishment and ownership.
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