- Repatriation Boost: Two Benin Bronzes Returned to Nigeria After 128 Years
- The artifacts was taken during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom
- The symbolic handover was witnessed by three high chiefs
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 major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reclaim looted cultural heritage.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the artifacts, taken during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom, were repatriated from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, United States.
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Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, expressed deep appreciation to Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar for facilitating the return. She described the moment as historic, noting that discussions with several other global institutions holding Benin artifacts are ongoing and more repatriations will follow.
Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, praised all stakeholders, including NCMM staff and Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, who championed the years-long effort to retrieve the pieces.
He emphasized that the event is not only symbolic for Benin but also a significant step in Nigeria’s broader restitution campaign, which includes artifacts from other ancient kingdoms such as Ife.
The symbolic handover was witnessed by three high chiefs representing the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, according to a statement by Nneka Anibeze, Special Adviser to the Minister.
According to Arts Newspapers in the United States, the MFA Boston officially returned the stolen artifacts during a ceremony held at the Nigeria House in New York in June 2025.
Museum Director Matthew Teitelbaum said it was gratifying to see the artworks returned to their rightful owners after 12 years in the museum’s care.
The Benin bronzes over 2,000 brass and bronze plaques and sculptures were looted in 1897 and dispersed across museums in Europe and America. Nigeria has stepped up restitution diplomacy in recent years, signing agreements with institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe to secure their return.
This latest repatriation follows a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the United States to promote cultural cooperation and facilitate the return of stolen artifacts. It also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen national identity.
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