The House of Representatives commenced an inquiry on Tuesday into the creation, financing, and governance structure of the Museum of West African Art situated in Benin City, Edo State.

This investigation was triggered by increasing worries that the newly established cultural complex could be operating in ways that grant excessive control to foreign and private entities.

The decision to launch the probe came after a recent exhibition at the museum ended in turmoil, leading to its abrupt cancellation following protests that required police intervention to escort the foreign dignitaries in attendance to safety. This inquiry is deemed essential as Nigeria is presently receiving significant amounts of repatriated Benin Bronzes from international museums, heightening scrutiny over the permanent repository for these priceless artifacts.

The House mandated the investigation after passing a motion of urgent national significance. The motion was introduced by Esosa Iyawe and co-authored by six additional lawmakers from Edo State: Julius Ihonvbere, Peter Akpatason, Billy Osawaru, Omosede Igbinedion, Marcus Onobun, and Okojie Odianosen.

While leading the discussion, Iyawe warned that a project aimed at becoming a leading West African cultural heritage center must not transform into an avenue for foreign entities to influence or dominate Nigeria's cultural property.

Iyawe remarked, “Reliable reports indicate that MOWAA's ownership and governance structure may have established a situation that grants disproportionate influence to private or foreign interests. This would undermine Nigeria's sovereignty over its cultural heritage.” He also noted that the international community agreed to return the Benin Bronzes based on the understanding that these artifacts would be preserved in a public trust under Nigerian authority.

Lawmakers raised further concerns about the museum's legal standing, donor agreements, tax exemptions, and land allocations.

Co-sponsor Julius Ihonvbere highlighted the need for transparency, asserting, “We cannot permit any uncertainty surrounding ownership, land allocation, tax waivers, or foreign partnerships. Nigeria’s cultural assets must not be compromised under the pretense of development assistance.”

In a similar vein, Omosede Igbinedion criticized the supposed marginalization of traditional institutions, specifically mentioning the Palace of the Oba of Benin. She expressed, “The guardians of Benin's heritage deserve complete transparency and participation. Their exclusion raises valid concerns.”

Additionally, Marcus Onobun cautioned that a lack of clarity in funding backgrounds and governance systems could lead to potential conflicts of interest and the exploitation of the nation’s heritage.

Following the approval of the motion, the House decided to form an ad hoc committee responsible for investigating the establishment, funding model, donor impact, and governance framework of MOWAA.

The committee is tasked with determining the extent of government oversight and the protections currently in place to secure Nigeria’s ownership of its cultural assets. It is expected to present its findings within four weeks.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen assured the House of their dedication to safeguarding the nation's heritage, asserting, “Our heritage is non-negotiable. This investigation is vital to ensure transparency and the nation's interests are upheld.”

The inquiry coincides with renewed energy in Nigeria’s restitution efforts. Just a day prior, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy received two Benin Bronzes—a bronze relief plaque and a commemorative head—returned from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

These items, which were taken during the 1897 British invasion of Benin, were ceremoniously handed back by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with prominent chiefs standing in for the Oba of Benin present.

Over the last eight years, Nigeria has reclaimed no fewer than 285 Benin Bronzes, including significant deliveries from the United States, the Netherlands, and the UK’s Horniman Museum.