Netherlands gives back colonial cultural artifacts to Nigeria
(MENAFN) The Netherlands has officially returned 119 cultural artifacts to Nigeria, including sculptures, plaques, ceremonial regalia, and a historic bell, all originally looted from the Benin Kingdom over a century ago. The restitution took place during a ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos on Saturday.
These artifacts, collectively known as the Benin Bronzes, were taken during a violent British invasion of Benin City in 1897, which saw royal palaces plundered and King Ovonramwen Nogbaisi exiled. The Dutch government acknowledged the wrongful acquisition of the items, stating that their return is “unconditional” and recognizes their looted origin.
This handover marks the largest physical return of Benin artifacts from the Netherlands to Nigeria so far. Nigeria’s campaign to reclaim its stolen heritage gained momentum in 2022, when the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) issued a global appeal for repatriation.
Other institutions have responded: the UK’s Horniman Museum repatriated 72 items in 2022, and the Rhode Island School of Design returned 31, including a royal “Head of a King.”
At the ceremony, NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway called the artifacts vital to the identity and cultural spirit of the Nigerian people. He appealed to the international community to treat African nations with fairness and respect.
The move is part of a broader shift across Africa, with several countries demanding the return of looted colonial-era treasures. In early 2024, UK museums returned over 30 Ashanti royal items to Ghana, and in 2023, Oxford University compensated Maasai communities with 196 cows for century-old looted artifacts.
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