The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, recently received 119 looted Benin artefacts returned by the Netherlands. In a highly symbolic moment, he stood and danced on his throne just as his grandfather did decades ago when a similar return occurred.
The monarch revealed that a conspiracy to re-loot these artefacts had been foiled and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Director-General of the National Commission of Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, and the youths who supported the palace in resisting the attempt. He emphasized the importance of the artefacts, not just as objects, but as spiritual and ancestral symbols of the Benin people.
The Oba exposed attempts by some government officials, including a former NCMM officer, to hijack the artefacts upon their return. He declared that he would have preferred they remain abroad than be re-looted locally. Amid his firm stance, the Oba faced hardships, including withheld palace funds and intentional neglect. Nonetheless, he remained resolute, encouraged his people to be courageous, and expressed hope that the artefacts’ return would revive the once-mighty spirit of the Benin Kingdom. He emphasized that partisan politics must never diminish the dignity of the kingdom or its heritage.
At the handover event, NCMM’s DG, Olugbile Holloway, praised the return as historic and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the full repatriation of looted artefacts. He stressed that the artefacts are more than objects—they are powerful symbols of cultural diplomacy and restitution. Holloway promised to preserve the artefacts in line with tradition and not betray the trust of the palace or the Nigerian people. His speech highlighted a new era of cooperation between federal institutions and traditional authorities.
Representing the Netherlands’ Wereldmuseum, Director Marieke Van Bommel confirmed the return of all 119 Benin artefacts in their possession, stating it was Dutch policy to restore looted objects. Edo State Governor Okpebholo, represented by SSG Musa Ikhilor, pledged infrastructure support to protect and display the returned artefacts. He also committed to building a befitting museum in Benin, enhancing tourism and preserving the sacred heritage. The event marked a turning point in the long-standing struggle to reclaim stolen cultural treasures and fortify the legacy of the Benin Kingdom.
