Protesters Confront Nigerian Museum Over Looted Artefacts

According to eyewitnesses, the protesters were largely peaceful, but their actions were met with resistance from security personnel. "The protesters entered and began vandalising part of the reception pavilion, where we receive our guests," said Phillip Ihenacho, the director of the Museum of West African Art, in an interview with Agence France-Presse. "We understand their concerns, but we cannot condone the destruction of property." The Museum of West African Art is set to open to the public on Tuesday, despite the controversy surrounding its collection of Benin bronzes. The artefacts, which are considered some of the most valuable and culturally significant in Nigeria, were looted by British colonial forces in the early 20th century. The Nigerian government has been pushing for the return of the artefacts, but the British Museum has thus far refused to relinquish them. The protest at the Museum of West African Art is the latest in a series of demonstrations against the British Museum's refusal to return the Benin bronzes. The issue has sparked a heated debate about cultural ownership and the legacy of colonialism in Nigeria. "We want our cultural heritage back," said one of the protesters, who wished to remain anonymous. "We want the British Museum to return our artefacts and acknowledge the harm that they have caused to our people." The Nigerian government has been working to repatriate the Benin bronzes, but the process has been slow and contentious. In 2020, the Nigerian government reached an agreement with the British Museum to return 12 of the artefacts, but the deal was met with resistance from some members of the British public. The issue remains a contentious one, with many Nigerians calling for the return of all of the Benin bronzes. The Museum of West African Art is expected to open to the public on Tuesday, despite the controversy surrounding its collection. The museum's director, Phillip Ihenacho, has said that the museum will continue to work towards repatriating the Benin bronzes and acknowledging the harm caused by colonialism. "We understand the concerns of the protesters, and we will continue to work towards a resolution," he said.