The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy on Monday received two Benin bronzes, a bronze relief plaque and a commemorative head, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage.
The artifacts, looted during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom, were repatriated from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, United States.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, thanked Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar for facilitating the return.
She described the moment as historic, saying, “This is a historic moment for Nigeria, the ministry, and the good people of the Benin Kingdom. We are still in conversation with several other institutions that hold these artifacts, and soon the process of returning them all to their rightful owners will begin.”
The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, also expressed gratitude to all facilitators, including NCMM staff and His Royal Highness Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, who led the struggle to recover the pieces.
He noted, “What we are witnessing today is the return of a huge part of Nigeria’s history. While this occasion is symbolic to Benin, it is also symbolic to Nigeria’s broader restitution struggle. We also have objects from Ife, so this event is historic, irrespective of the small gathering.”
The symbolic handover took place in the presence of three high chiefs representing the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare, according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Nneka Anibeze.
“I am pleased to deliver these two works of art to Prince Aghatise Erediuwa on behalf of His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II,” Matthew Teitelbaum, the MFA’s director, Matthew Teitelbaum, was quoted to have said in a statement by the newspaper.
“As custodians of these exceptional objects for the past 12 years, it is deeply gratifying to see them returned to their rightful owner,” he added.
The Benin bronzes—a collection of over 2,000 brass and bronze plaques and sculptures—were seized by British forces in 1897 and dispersed to museums worldwide.
In recent years, Nigeria has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure their return, entering agreements with institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe.
This latest repatriation follows a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the United States, aimed at returning looted artifacts and strengthening cultural cooperation.
The handover underscores Nigeria’s renewed push under President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda to restore cultural heritage and promote national identity.
