The Netherlands Returns 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in Historic Restitution
In a monumental achievement for Nigeria’s persistent restitution campaign, the country has officially received its largest single collection of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands. This historic handover, which took place at the National Museum in Lagos, marks a significant victory in the global effort to repatriate artifacts plundered during the colonial era.
The bronzes were among the thousands of artifacts looted by British forces during the 1897 attack on the Benin Royal Palace. Acknowledging that the items were acquired through violence and theft, the Dutch government returned them unconditionally, a powerful act of goodwill that underscores the success of Nigeria’s long-standing advocacy.
A Restitution of Dignity and Identity
The triumph of this restitution drive was a central theme of the ceremony. Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Culture, Arts, Tourism and Creative Economy, described the return as a “restitution of our dignity, of our identity, of our values, of our ideals, and the shared humanity that binds us as a people.” She emphasized that each bronze “carries with it a fragment of the story of our ancestors, our heritage, and our shared humanity,” highlighting the deep cultural and historical significance of this achievement.
Olugbile Holloway, the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), hailed the event as a testament to the collective efforts that have echoed through time. He noted that the returned objects are not just physical items, but “embodiments of the spirit and identity of the people from which they were taken.” Holloway praised the Netherlands for setting a beautiful example for other museums worldwide, acknowledging Nigeria’s crucial role in pushing for this global precedent.
A Precedent Set by Nigerian Advocacy
The successful return of these artifacts sets a powerful precedent for other nations and significantly strengthens Nigeria’s campaign for global repatriation efforts. The Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, Dewi van de Weerd, specifically congratulated Nigeria on its “persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes,” underscoring the vital role the country and the NCMM have played in this process.
In a show of continued partnership, the Netherlands and Nigeria will also convene an expert workshop on digital heritage, bringing together specialists to collaborate on preserving cultural history. This cooperation is a direct result of the mutual respect and recognition fostered by the successful restitution efforts.
The Role of the Oba of Benin
The return of the bronzes also reaffirms the authority of the Benin Kingdom. Princess Iku Ewuare-Aimiuwu, representing the current Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, shared that this day was the fulfillment of a long-held dream of her father and grandfather to restore the “pride and identity of our people.”
The monarch also highlighted the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Official Gazette of March 28, 2023, which entrusts ownership and custody of the artifacts to the Oba of Benin as the true owner and custodian. This official recognition solidifies the legal and cultural foundation of this successful repatriation.
To ensure the returned artifacts are properly housed, the NCMM has partnered with Coronation Group Limited to establish a world-class gallery at the Oba Ovonramwen storage facility in Benin City, a tangible outcome of Nigeria’s commitment to its heritage.