UK-Stolen Artifacts Now Back Home in Nigeria — Ceremony Marks Historic Milestone
In a landmark move, the Netherlands officially handed over 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria on June 21 at the National Museum in Lagos. Stolen during Britain’s 1897 punitive raid on Benin City, this marks the largest single repatriation of colonial-era artifacts to Nigeria. Oba Ewuare II described the event as a “divine intervention” and praised the return as a triumph of cultural diplomacy. The Netherlands, guided by its restitution policy, hopes this act will further strengthen bilateral ties and encourage other Western nations to follow suit.
After more than a century, 119 Benin Bronzes — including royal regalia, plaques, and figures — have returned to Nigeria from the Netherlands, following formal restitution agreements signed in February . The official ceremony on 21 June at the National Museum in Lagos featured remarks from Oba Ewuare II, who called the return a “divine intervention” and emphasized the reclamation of Nigerian heritage . Olugbile Holloway of NCMM described the moment as the largest physical return to date, and Dutch officials expressed hope this sets a precedent for global cultural restitution.
Nigeria now faces the challenge of properly caring for and displaying the artifacts — plans include placement at the National Museum and development of a Royal Museum in Benin City as decreed under ABI’s previous administration . This repatriation underscores broader momentum across Europe toward reconciling with colonial-era injustices and restoring cultural heritage to its rightful owners.
Adedayo Obadina
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