After 128 Years, Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes To Nigeria

…Monarch Says Cartel’s Re-Looting Bid Failed

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has disclosed that an international art cartel attempted to re-loot the priceless Benin artefacts but failed as the Government of Netherlands returned the looted 119 Benin bronzes to the Ancient Kingdom.

The artefacts, originally plundered during the infamous British invasion of 1897, were officially received on Wednesday, at a symbolic ceremony held at the Oba’s palace.

The ceremony was attended by the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, and the Director-General of Wereld Museum, Ms. Marieke van Bommel, who led a delegation from the Netherlands and Abuja to formally return the artefacts to their ancestral home.

The Oba disclosed that the return of the artefacts was made possible possible through sustained advocacy by the Benin Royal Court and formal diplomatic requests from the Nigerian Government.

Oba Ewuare II expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Governor Monday Okpebholo, who stood firm in ensuring the artefacts were returned rather than diverted through illicit or political means.

“There were groups in this country, backed by an international cartel, who conspired to re-loot our artefacts. They hatched a strategy to steal these treasures again, but they failed. Our ancestors protected them.

“They tried to extinguish the spirit and morale of the Benin people. But the people of this great kingdom have remained bold, brave, and courageous, even after the tragedy of 1897,” he said.

The Monarch also warned against modern political interests seeking to erode the cultural dignity of the Benin people.

“We must not allow partisan politics to diminish our heritage. I thank Governor Monday Okpebholo, ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor for joining us in this historic celebration,” he said.

The Oba commended NCMM DG Olugbile Holloway for his committed role in the repatriation process and warned against modern political interests seeking to erode the cultural dignity of the Benin people.

“We fought a running battle to stop those bent on re-looting. I told my Chiefs right here that I would rather the artefacts remain abroad than be re-looted while I sit on the throne,” the Monarch stated firmly.

“There was once a government that sought to destabilize the Benin Kingdom, but our ancestors rose and defended the realm.”

Speaking on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Musa Ikhilor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the artefacts and supporting the palace in building robust infrastructure for their conservation.

“This is a moment of pride for the State, a historic triumph, 128 years in the making. It attests to the indomitable spirit of the Edo people, whose relentless advocacy has culminated in the return of these artefacts to their rightful home,” he said.

He stated that the government plans to collaborate with the Federal Government and the Benin Royal Court to enhance storage and display systems for the artefacts, with the goal of boosting tourism and cultural heritage preservation in Edo State.

Also speaking, Ms. Marieke van Bommel reiterated her country’s policy on repatriation of looted cultural heritage, stating that the 119 returned artefacts had been in Dutch collections for over a century.

“These items were undoubtedly looted, and we have returned them in accordance with our cultural restitution policy. It is only right that they return to Benin City, their place of origin,” she said.

NCMM Director-General, Holloway described the occasion as both symbolic and historic, noting that the repatriation took several years of negotiations.

“The Dutch museum bore all costs associated with the return. This is a joyful moment for the people of Benin and Nigeria,” Holloway said.

After 128 Years, Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes To Nigeria is first published on The Whistler Newspaper