In a historic and jubilant ceremony, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, danced to ancestral songs as he welcomed the return of two significant artefacts from Germany. These national treasures, which include a wooden and bronze stool used by Oba Esigie and Oba Eresonye between the 15th and 17th centuries, were handed over by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).
The artefacts, along with many others, were looted during the British invasion of the Benin palace in 1897. The German authorities returned these items to the NCMM on behalf of the Nigerian government in 2022. On behalf of the Federal Government, NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway officially presented the artefacts to the Benin Royal Court on Wednesday.
During the handover ceremony, Holloway emphasized the NCMM’s commitment to collaborating with the Benin Royal Court to preserve and showcase Edo heritage. “NCMM will join hands with the Royal Court to create a befitting destination for people around the world to come and appreciate these works. What you see before us was originally taken away from the Royal family in 1897. We have a stool made of bronze and a wooden stool,” Holloway stated.
He expressed loyalty to the Royal Court, saying, “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. I appreciate you, we will always do what we can do with our powers to make His Royal Majesty’s lineage in memory.”
Following the unveiling of the repatriated artefacts, Oba Ewuare II, accompanied by enthusiastic chiefs and members of the royal family, performed traditional Benin dances and offered prayers to God and his ancestors. The monarch expressed gratitude to both the German and Nigerian governments for their efforts in returning the artefacts.
The return of these artefacts is part of a broader trend of restitution of cultural heritage. Recently, the Swedish government also announced plans to return 39 pieces of Benin artefacts currently in its museums to the custody of Oba Ewuare II. This decision was conveyed by Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, during her courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City, Edo State.
This ceremony marks a significant moment in the preservation and celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, highlighting ongoing efforts to rectify historical wrongs and restore cultural treasures to their rightful place.
