The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has moved to clear the air on what it described as wide­spread misconceptions about its mission, collections, and activi­ties within Benin City’s cultural landscape.

In a statement made available to Saturday Independent, the museum stressed that it holds His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, in the highest esteem. It added that it remains committed to re­spectful engagement and to sup­porting efforts that preserve and promote West Africa’s cultural heritage.

MOWAA also firmly de­bunked rumours linking it to the Benin Bronzes.

According to the statement, “MOWAA does not hold, nor have we ever claimed title to any Benin Bronzes… There are no Benin Bronzes on display at the Museum, nor have there ever been.”

The museum explained that since its establishment in 2020, its work has focused on broader West African art, research, edu­cation, and conservation with emphasis on modern, contempo­rary, and historical works from Nigeria and beyond.

Addressing claims that it mis­represented itself as the Benin Royal Museum to secure funding, MOWAA stated that it has never presented itself under that name and urged authorities to verify this directly with its donors.

The institution noted that its mission includes supporting oth­er museums and cultural organi­sations in Benin City and across West Africa, adding that it aims to complement not compete with existing cultural bodies.

“Our goal is to help strengthen Benin City’s image as a cultural capital by collaborating with artists, researchers, universities, and museums,” the statement said.

MOWAA further explained that contrary to circulating re­ports, the museum has not held any formal commissioning or of­ficial opening. What took place, it said, was a private preview for partners and stakeholders to mark the start of its preview week for its first contemporary exhibition and a display of newly conserved historical works. None of the historical pieces shown were of Benin origin.

Reacting to recent tensions, MOWAA Director, Phillip Ihen­acho, said the events of the previous day were saddening but expressed hope for renewed dialogue.