The Federal Government has officially returned two looted artefacts, repatriated from Germany, to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in a ceremony held in Benin City.
The artefacts, which were initially held in the custody of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) since their return to Nigeria in 2022, were presented to the Benin monarch by NCMM Director-General, Mr. Olugbile Holloway, on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
The artefacts include a bronze Royal Stool and a wooden Royal Stool (Ekete), historically crafted during the reigns of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie, several centuries ago. These items were looted from the Oba’s Palace during the British punitive expedition in 1897, under the reign of Oba Ovoranmwen Nogbasi.
During the presentation, Holloway pledged NCMM’s continued collaboration with the Benin Royal Court to promote and showcase Edo heritage. He noted that the return of the Benin Bronzes and other looted artworks marks a significant step in reclaiming Nigeria’s cultural heritage from colonial theft.
“What you see before us were originally taken away from the Royal family in 1897. We have a stool made of bronze and a wooden stool,” Holloway said. “I speak for every member of my team to say that we remain loyal to the Royal Court. And if there is anything we can do, we will do to support this laudable initiative. This heritage is not just Benin heritage, but Nigeria’s heritage. When we speak of Benin heritage, there is nobody that doesn’t know the great works of ours.”
He also assured that NCMM would work alongside the Royal Court to establish a suitable destination for global audiences to appreciate these artworks.
In response, the Oba of Benin expressed his gratitude to the German Government, the Nigerian Federal Government, and the leadership of NCMM for their efforts in recovering the artefacts. The monarch celebrated the occasion with traditional Benin dances and offered prayers to Almighty God and his ancestors. In a historic gesture, Oba Ewuare II sat on one of the royal stools (Ekete) during the ceremony.
