The planned opening of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Edo State, ended in chaos on Sunday when protesters stormed a preview event, forcing police to evacuate foreign guests and dignitaries.

Eyewitnesses said dozens of angry youths chanting traditional songs forced their way into the MOWAA premises, destroying property and ordering visitors to leave.

The incident occurred during a closed-door preview for investors and cultural partners, prompting a rapid police response to prevent further escalation.

The MostNewsReporters reports that several foreign guests, museum officials, and government representatives were escorted to safety after the mob disrupted proceedings, accusing the organisers of excluding the Benin Royal Palace from the museum’s operations and control over repatriated Benin Bronzes.

It was also learnt that the museum’s formal opening, scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed as a result of the incident.

The protests follow growing tension between the MOWAA management and traditional authorities in Benin over the rightful custodianship of the historic Benin Bronzes, which are artefacts looted by British troops during the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has since announced the formation of a special committee, chaired by former governor Adams Oshiomhole, to review MOWAA’s governance and relationship with the palace.

The committee is expected to advise on how to reconcile the competing claims of state, private, and royal stakeholders.

In a statement, MOWAA clarified that it does not claim ownership of the repatriated artefacts and said the postponement would allow “further consultations with all stakeholders to ensure transparency and inclusivity.”

The federal government had earlier affirmed the Benin Royal Palace as the rightful custodian of the returned bronzes, while MOWAA’s backers insist the project is intended to promote West African art and cultural tourism rather than compete with the palace museum.