In a historic turn of events that has sparked jubilation in the heart of Benin, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has been enveloped in a wave of delight as precious Benin artefacts returned to Nigeria by Germany in 2022, and which have being under the custody of the federal government, have ceremoniously been returned to the Oba’s palace. This joyous occasion is further sweetened by Sweden’s vow to follow suit, promising the return of their own collection of Benin’s cultural heritage.
The air in the Oba’s palace is thick with more than just the humid Nigerian breeze; it is laden with whispers of the past, murmurs of a future where history is reclaimed. Some might say the artefacts carry with them not just the weight of their bronze and wood, but the weight of colonial history, now being lifted.
As the German government hands over the artefacts, one can almost hear the silent chuckles of the ancestors, their knowing looks exchanged across the span of centuries, as if to say, “We told you they would come back.” The Oba, embodying the grace of his lineage, could not help but break into dance, a physical manifestation of the joy that words could not encapsulate.
The return of these artefacts is not just a victory for Benin or Nigeria; it is a triumph for cultural integrity worldwide. It is a story that will be told and retold, not in hushed tones, but with the full, resonant voice of the Benin bronze casters of old, whose artistry has finally found its way back home.
In the end, the artefacts’ journey reflects our own, no matter how far we stray, the path home is always there, waiting for us to take the first step. And as Sweden lines up to return their share, we are reminded that sometimes, promises are kept, and what was once lost can indeed be found again. The specific artefacts being returned by Sweden and Germany include a variety of historically and culturally significant items from the Benin Kingdom.
Ostensibly following the footsteps of the Germans in the repatriation of the artefacts, Sweden has resolved to return the 39 pieces of Benin artefacts it took away from the ancient city years back, and which were in the possession of their museums. While the exact list of these artefacts has not been detailed in the sources, they are part of the broader collection of Benin cultural heritage that includes bronze sculptures, ivory carvings, and more.
Given the foregoing, it is expedient to recall that the returned artefacts include a wooden and bronze stools said to have been used by Oba Esigie and Oba Eresonye between 15th and 17th centuries.
Alongside others, the artefacts were looted by the British during their invasion of the Benin palace in 1897. The two items were handed over to the Director-General of the National Commission for Museum and Monument (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, on behalf of the Nigerian government by the German authorities in 2022.
Addressing the monarch, Holloway pledged collaboration with the Benin Royal Court in uplifting and displaying the Edo heritage.
He said: “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. I speak for every member of my team when I say that we remain loyal to the Royal Court. 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 lineage in memory.”
After unveiling the repatriated artefacts, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, with equally excited Chiefs and members of the royal family, danced to Benin traditional rendition in dramatic dance steps, offering prayers to God and his ancestors.
Oba Ewuare II thanked Holloway for the surprise, saying, “You don’t know what you have done, but I am really grateful for this gesture.” The Oba gave Holloway a large chunk of white chalk to further show appreciation.
The artefacts had been with the Federal Government since 2022 and were handed over to the Oba on Saturday. Holloway said the return of the artefacts marked the beginning of better things to come.
Mr. Richard Omozokpia said, “These artefacts are not just art pieces; they are a testament to the rich history and cultural legacy of the Benin Kingdom. Their return is a significant event for Nigeria and the global community, as it represents a step towards acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices. The artefacts are expected to be housed in the planned Benin Royal Museum, where they will be accessible for education and appreciation by the public”.
The Benin artefacts in Sweden and Germany were acquired under circumstances that are now widely considered to be part of a dark colonial legacy.
The artefacts known as the Benin Bronzes were looted during a punitive expedition by British forces in 1897. This military incursion into the Kingdom of Benin, located in present-day Nigeria, led to the sacking of Benin City and the removal of thousands of artworks and cultural items. After being shipped to the UK, many of these artefacts were auctioned off in London. German collectors and museums purchased some of these items, which eventually became part of Germany’s extensive collection of African art.
While the specific details of how Sweden acquired its Benin artefacts are not as well-documented in the sources, it is likely that they followed a similar path. Artefacts looted by the British were dispersed across Europe through auctions and private sales, and it is through these means that Swedish institutions likely acquired their pieces.
The return of these artefacts from both countries is a significant step in addressing the historical injustices associated with colonialism and the looting of cultural heritage. It is a part of a broader movement towards cultural restitution, where nations and institutions are increasingly acknowledging the importance of returning such items to their countries of origin.
After unveiling the repatriated artefacts, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, with excited Chiefs and members of the royal family, danced to Benin traditional rendition in dramatic dance steps, offering prayers to God and his ancestors.
The monarch appreciated the German government and the federal government for their efforts, and recalled that the Swedish government had also promised it would return 39 pieces of Benin artefacts in its Museum to the custody of Obaseki Ewuare II.
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