The Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) has issued a statement clarifying its operations while denying any ownership of Benin artefacts. This comes amid ongoing discussions about cultural heritage in Nigeria.
On November 7, 2025, Mowaa released a clarification regarding its operations. The institution explicitly denied owning any Benin artefacts, addressing potential misconceptions in public discourse.
The statement aims to provide transparency about Mowaa's role in preserving West African cultural heritage. No further details on specific operations were outlined in the announcement, but it underscores the museum's commitment to ethical practices.
This development occurs against the backdrop of repatriation efforts for Benin artefacts, which have been a topic of international attention. Mowaa's position seeks to separate its activities from ownership claims related to these historical items.
As a key cultural institution in Nigeria, Mowaa continues to focus on exhibition and research without possessing disputed artefacts.