President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted a high-level presidential committee to address the ongoing dispute surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Edo State.

This follows the recent revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) previously granted to MOWAA by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo. The decision came amid rising public concerns and objections from His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, regarding the demolition of the historic Central Hospital in Benin City to make way for the museum project.

Tensions escalated earlier in the week after protesters loyal to the Benin Palace disrupted a preview exhibition at the museum.

In response, President Tinubu has set up a committee chaired by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa.

The committee comprises representatives from the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy; the Presidency; the National Council for Arts and Culture; the Edo State Government; the Palace of the Oba of Benin; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the German and French Embassies; the National Commission for Museums and Monuments; and MOWAA management.

The panel is tasked with engaging all relevant stakeholders to recommend a peaceful and lasting resolution to the dispute, in line with the Tinubu administration’s commitment to cultural preservation, dialogue, and unity.