The fallout from Nigeria's spectacular $25m museum and the Benin Bronzes

The opening of Nigeria's Museum of West African Art (Mowaa), a $25 million investment, has sparked significant local political tensions. As the museum aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, particularly the Benin Bronzes, it finds itself at the center of power struggles that could affect its mission and operations. The museum's establishment is not just about art; it represents a broader narrative of cultural reclamation and national pride. However, the involvement of local power dynamics raises questions about governance, funding, and the true purpose of such cultural institutions. As Nigeria navigates these challenges, the Mowaa stands as a symbol of both hope and contention in the ongoing discourse about art, heritage, and identity in the region.