The House of Representatives has resolved to constitute an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the establishment, funding sources, governance framework, and donor agreements relating to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Edo State.
The resolution is sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved at plenary by Esosa Iyawe, co-sponsored by Julius Ihonvbere, Peter Akpatason, Billy Osawaru, Omosede Igbinedion, Marcus Onobun and Okojie Odianosen.
The motion is as follows:
“The House notes that the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), situated in Benin City, Edo State, was conceived as a flagship cultural and heritage institution intended to house, research, and showcase the artistic legacy of Nigeria and the wider West African region, particularly artefacts originating from the ancient Benin Kingdom;
“Also notes that the establishment of the Museum followed international commitments to return looted Benin bronzes and other artefacts to Nigeria, with the expectation that such priceless cultural materials would be repatriated to a public trust under Nigerian control, in partnership with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and other relevant stakeholders;
“Aware that the project has received substantial funding, technical support, and governance input from a network of private foundations, international donors, and foreign museums, including entities that were formerly custodians ofthe looted Benin artefacts;
“Concerned that credible reports and public commentaries suggest that the structure of ownership, governance, and donor involvement in MOWAA may have created a framework that places undue influence or control in the hands of private or foreign interests, contrary to Nigeria’s sovereignty over its cultural patrimony;
“Also concerned that questions have been raised about the legal status of the Museum, the terms of donor agreements, and the extent of consultation with key national institutions such as the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the NCMM, the Oba of Benin, and local communities who are the true custodians of the Benin heritage;
“Worried that the opacity surrounding the project’s funding sources, land allocation, tax exemptions, and management structure could create avenues for financial impropriety, conflict of interest, or the alienation of Nigeria’s cultural assets under the guise of development assistance;
“Cognizant that Nigeria’s cultural heritage represents not only a priceless legacy but also an instrument of national identity, diplomacy, and economic potential, and must therefore be protected from any form of exploitation, commodification, or foreign dominance”.
The house unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote to constitute an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the establishment, funding sources, governance framework, and donor agreements relating to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Edo State, with a view to determining the following.
a. The level of government involvement and oversight;
b. The nature and extent of donor participation and influence;
c. The legal and financial implications of all existing agreements; and
d. The safeguard measures in place to protect Nigeria’s ownership and control of its cultural assets;
and report back to the House within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
