From Moshood Karim
The ancient Kingdom of Benin celebrated a historic moment this week as the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, received 119 stolen artefacts repatriated from the Netherlands. The treasures, part of those looted by British troops during the 1897 invasion of the Benin Empire, had been housed in Dutch museums for more than a century.
Speaking at a ceremony at his palace in Benin City, Oba Ewuare II described the return as a profound occasion that rekindles the spirit of his people. The monarch alleged that international cartels had attempted to have the artefacts “re-looted,” but his prayers and the determination of his ancestors thwarted their plans.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu and former president Muhammadu Buhari for their steadfast commitment to ensuring the safe return of the artefacts, while criticising past conspirators who, according to him, sought to profit once again at the expense of Benin’s heritage.
“I will not sit on this throne and allow our sacred history to be stolen again,” the monarch said, praising the resilience of the Benin people. “This return of our treasures has reignited the courage and boldness that was lost in 1897.”
He also lauded the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) for its role in facilitating the handover and expressed his gratitude to the Dutch government for its cooperation.
Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of the NCMM, confirmed that work was ongoing to secure the return of more items, while Edo State governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his secretary to the state government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, assured that his administration would improve storage facilities and support the establishment of a world-class museum to preserve and showcase the historic treasures.
Marieke Van Bommel, General Director of the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands, acknowledged the looted origins of the artefacts. “We have a policy to return them,” she stated. “We are returning 119 today, and while more exist elsewhere in Europe, that is beyond our remit.”
