Opening of Nigerian art museum is delayed after protests

Protesters disrupted a preview event on Sunday at a major new museum in the Nigerian city of Benin that has become embroiled in a row over the restitution of artefacts looted by British colonial forces.

- Eromo Egbejule West Africa correspondent

The demonstrators said the Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) is a violation of Benin City's cultural heritage, which falls under the authority of its traditional ruler, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

In a video on social media, protesters were seen loudly chanting “Oba ghato kpere ise” (“Long live the king” in the Bini language) while foreign and local visitors were ushered out by security personnel.

Reporters at the scene said there was minor damage to the museum, which has now postponed its planned opening to the public today.

Phillip Ihenacho, Mowaa's director, told Agence France-Presse: “Protesters entered and began vandalising part of the reception pavilion, where we receive visitors, then they stormed inside the front section, where the exhibition area is located.”