US museum returns looted Benin artefacts today

A prominent museum in the United States has concluded plans to hand over looted Benin Bronzes to Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, said in a statement on Sunday that the Benin monarch would be receiving the artefacts today (Monday).

He noted that the artefacts were looted from the Oba palace over a century ago.

Osaigbovo said that defenders of Edo heritage and well-wishers of the royal father were expected to be at the palace by midday.

The development comes months after the  Swedish government similarly promised to return 39 pieces of Benin artefacts in its museum to Oba of Benin.

The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund,  conveyed the Swedish government’s decision to the Oba in May when she paid a courtesy visit to the Oba in Benin, Edo State.

Hahn-Englund said, “I would like to convey the decision of the Swedish government to return 39 artefacts to the Benin kingdom. This is possible because of the cooperation between the two countries in the areas of culture, education and trade.

“So, Your Majesty, I am very honoured to be here tonight.”

Responding, the Oba, on behalf of the Edo people,  welcomed the decision and expressed gratitude to the Swedish government.

The Benin monarch recalled how he made a request through the Swedish monarch, His Royal Majesty Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus, during his courtesy visit to him in 1998 in Sweden as the Nigerian ambassador to Scandinavian countries.

The Oba said that the Federal Government-backed Benin Royal Museum project was still on course, and commended partners for their support and devotion towards the project.

The Oba also commended the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, which is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, responsible for the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The traditional ruler, who prayed for members of the diplomatic mission,  noted that the remarkable reign and enduring affection of the Swedish monarch remained indelible.

The Oba added, “The demand for the return of looted Benin artefacts has been on since the reign of Oba Akenzua II. I am elated to hear that the return of the artefacts has been approved by the Swedish government. This has been my request for a long time. God’s time is always the best.”