His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin has disclosed that an international art cartel made an unsuccessful attempt to re-loot the priceless Benin artefacts.
Their efforts were thwarted, culminating in a major cultural and diplomatic victory, as the Government of the Netherlands returned 119 looted Benin bronzes to the ancient Kingdom.
The Monarch made the revelation during a symbolic ceremony at his palace to welcome the repatriated artefacts, originally plundered during the infamous British invasion of 1897.
Among those present at the historic occasion were the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr Olugbile Holloway, and the Director-General of the Wereld Museum, Ms Marieke van Bommel, who led a delegation from the Netherlands and Abuja to formally return the artefacts to their ancestral home.
According to the Oba, the return was made possible through sustained advocacy by the Benin Royal Court, along with formal diplomatic engagements by the Nigerian Government.
The Dutch authorities, through their Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, signed the transfer agreements, facilitated by Minister Eppo Bruins and NCMM DG Holloway.
The artefacts were officially received on Wednesday everning, amid widespread jubilation across the Kingdom.
Expressing deep gratitude, Oba Ewuare II thanked God Almighty, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Governor Monday Okpebholo, for standing firm to ensure the artefacts were returned through the proper channels and not 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,” the Oba declared.
“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.”
The Monarch also issued a warning against contemporary political interests that may seek to undermine 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.
Oba Ewuare II did not hold back in praising NCMM DG Olugbile Holloway for his dedicated role in the repatriation process. He contrasted Holloway’s efforts with those of his predecessor, whom he accused of complicity in the failed re-looting plot.
“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 destabilise the Benin Kingdom, but our ancestors rose and defended the realm.”
Speaking on behalf of Governor Okpebholo, Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musa Ikhilor, reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to preserving the artefacts and supporting the Palace in building the necessary 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,” Ikhilor said.
He assured that the State Government would continue to work with the Federal Government and the Benin Royal Court to enhance storage and display systems for the artefacts, with the goal of promoting tourism and preserving cultural heritage in Edo State.
“We are committed to ensuring that a befitting museum is built, one that not only protects these treasures but also draws the world to Benin, the cradle of African bronze civilisation.”
Ms Marieke van Bommel, head of the Dutch delegation and Director-General of the Wereld Museum, reiterated the Netherlands’ commitment to repatriating looted cultural heritage.
She confirmed that the 119 returned artefacts had been held 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 followed years of negotiations and cooperation with institutions holding the artefacts.
“The Dutch museum bore all the costs associated with the return. This is a joyful moment for the people of Benin and Nigeria. An official signing ceremony between Nigeria and the Netherlands will hold on 21 June at the National Museum in Lagos, with representatives from both nations and the Benin Palace in attendance,” Holloway announced.
