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Protesters Evacuate Museum Preview Over Cultural Heritage Concerns

11/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Protesters disrupted a preview of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Nigeria, forcing evacuation.
The demonstrators chanted for the Oba of Benin and said the event undermined local cultural heritage.
MOWAA is co-funded by France and Germany and will not display the Benin bronzes due to political rivalries.
Nigeria's culture minister condemned the disruption.
MOWAA advised visitors to avoid the museum until further notice.

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Story summary

Protesters disrupted a preview of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Nigeria, forcing evacuation.
The demonstrators chanted for the Oba of Benin and said the event undermined local cultural heritage.
MOWAA is co-funded by France and Germany and will not display the Benin bronzes due to political rivalries.
Nigeria's culture minister condemned the disruption.
MOWAA advised visitors to avoid the museum until further notice.