On June 21, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, confirmed that the Government of the Netherlands handed over 119 looted artefacts.
The revered monarch credited divine intervention with the artefacts’ successful return and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari for their support and unwavering commitment.
“There were groups in this country believed to be an international cartel that had all sorts of conspiracies to enable them to re-loot our artefacts,’’ he said.
The Oba expressed gratitude to the Government of the Netherlands for its collaboration, noting that the gesture had rekindled the courage and morale of the Benin people.
He also commended the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for his pivotal role in recovering artefacts.
As reported in TheCable, Oba Ewuare used the occasion to encourage the youth to remain strong and resilient in the face of adversity.
He highlighted the return of the artefacts as a testament to the power of determination and prayer.
The monarch also offered prayers alongside officials of the commission, expressing hope that more artefacts would be repatriated in the future
READ MORE:
- The Looting of the Benin Bronzes (1897): A Cultural Catastrophe and the Ongoing Battle for Repatriation
- Benin Kingdom’s Golden Age (14th–17th century)
- Oba of Benin Palace – Explore the Rich Cultural Heritage of the Benin Kingdom
Earlier, the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, stated that the commission and the Benin Royal Palace are working tirelessly to ensure the return of more stolen artefacts.
Holloway noted that the 119 artefacts were the largest number so far received of several stolen artefacts.
Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musa Ikhilor, pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government to improve the storage system for the artefacts.
The state promised to build the necessary facilities to preserve the items.
The General Director of Wereld Museum, Marieke Van Bommel, explained that the artefacts were looted, noting that the Netherlands has a policy of returning what does not belong to it.
She noted that there were more European collections, but they were not under their jurisdiction.
The recovery of 119 stolen Benin artefacts from the Netherlands is a monumental event with far-reaching positive impacts on Nigeria’s tourism and culture. It signifies the return of tangible objects and a reclamation of history, identity, and dignity.
It is a known fact that the iconic Benin Bronzes are among the world’s most coveted and historically significant art pieces. Their presence in Nigeria creates a powerful and unique draw for international tourists, especially art historians, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts who previously had to travel to Europe to see them.
For people of African descent globally, and especially for Nigerians, visiting the original home of these masterpieces will become a form of cultural pilgrimage, driving domestic tourism and fostering national pride.
The ongoing plans to build the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) in Benin City and the interim display at the National Museum, Lagos, will provide world-class facilities to house and showcase these treasures, further boosting visitor numbers. The prospect of seeing a comprehensive collection in its place of origin is a massive incentive.
The successful repatriation efforts and the subsequent display of these artefacts will significantly enhance Nigeria’s image on the global stage. They will showcase it as a nation that values its heritage and is capable of managing world-class cultural assets. This will counter negative stereotypes and highlight Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers
How many artefacts were returned to the Oba of Benin?
The Government of the Netherlands returned 119 stolen artefacts to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
Who did Oba Ewuare II thank for their support in the return of the artefacts?
Oba Ewuare II thanked President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari for their support and commitment and expressed gratitude to the Government of the Netherlands.
What was the significance of the return of these artefacts according to the Oba?
The Oba attributed the successful return to divine intervention and emphasised it as a testament to the power of determination and prayer. He also noted it reawakened the courage and morale of the Benin people.
What role did the Netherlands play in the repatriation?
The Wereld Museum, on behalf of the Netherlands, returned the artefacts, stating that the Netherlands has a policy to return what does not belong to them.
Are there plans for more artefacts to be returned in the future?
Yes, the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, stated that the commission and the Benin Royal Palace are working tirelessly to ensure the return of more stolen artefacts.
What is the Edo State Government’s commitment regarding the returned artefacts?
The Edo State Government, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government to improve the artefact storage system and build necessary facilities to preserve them.