Nigeria is embarking on a mission to reclaim the Benin Bronzes, priceless sculptures and castings looted by British soldiers during a raid on the Kingdom of Benin in 1897, now located in what is modern-day southern Nigeria. These artifacts, among Africa’s most significant heritage items, were taken during the British expedition and are primarily held in European museums and collections. In response to this injustice, the country is determined to retrieve and preserve these objects of immense cultural value.
In March 2023, Nigeria’s then-president Muhammadu Buhari signed a decree designating the Oba, or king, of Benin as the rightful owner and custodian of the returned Benin Bronzes. This decree officially granted the Oba full authority over the management and display of these precious artifacts. However, as the Oba currently lacks the infrastructure to display them, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), under the leadership of Olugbile Holloway, will take on the responsibility of storing, conserving, and eventually displaying the bronzes. Holloway emphasized that with the blessing of the Oba, the NCMM would spearhead efforts to retrieve, protect, and repair these objects, marking a significant step in correcting the historical injustice.
The Oba’s blessing allows the NCMM to proceed with a clear mandate. Although the royal palace does not yet have the necessary facilities to house the bronzes, plans are underway to establish the Benin Royal Museum, which will one day be the home of the returned artifacts. Holloway also expressed optimism about an agreement with the University of Cambridge’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, where more than 100 Benin Bronzes are currently held. In 2023, the university temporarily paused the return of the items following the government’s decree, but Holloway believes that a resolution is imminent.
The return of these objects is more than just about their physical relocation to a museum. For Holloway and many Nigerians, the repatriation symbolizes the restoration of dignity for their people and a chance to undo the wrongs of the past. This movement to return the Benin Bronzes is an important step toward correcting a historical injustice that has lasted more than a century. The artifacts, once returned to their homeland, will stand as a testament to the resilience and rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Benin.
READ MORE: