The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has revealed that an attempt by an international cartel to re-loot the priceless Benin artefacts was thwarted, as the kingdom welcomed the return of 119 bronzes from the Netherlands.
Speaking during a repatriation ceremony held at the Royal Palace in Benin City, Edo State, the monarch described the moment as a historic cultural and diplomatic victory, made possible through sustained advocacy by the Benin Royal Court and formal engagement by the Nigerian Government.
“There were groups in this country, backed by an international cartel, who conspired to re-loot our artefacts. They hatched a strategy to steal these treasures again, but they failed. Our ancestors protected them,” Oba Ewuare declared.
The event, held on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, was attended by key dignitaries including the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway; and the Director-General of Wereld Museum in the Netherlands, Marieke van Bommel, who led a delegation to officially hand over the artefacts.
The repatriated bronzes, originally looted during the British invasion of Benin in 1897, had been held in Dutch collections for over a century.
Their return followed a transfer agreement signed between the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, represented by Minister Eppo Bruins, and the NCMM.
Oba Ewuare extended deep appreciation to God Almighty, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for ensuring that the artefacts were returned through lawful and transparent channels.
He also issued a stern warning against political interests threatening the kingdom’s cultural dignity.
“We must not allow partisan politics to diminish our heritage. I thank Governor Monday Okpebholo, ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, for joining us in this historic celebration,” he said.
The monarch praised Holloway for his integrity and dedication throughout the repatriation process, drawing a clear contrast with his predecessor, whom he accused of attempting to facilitate the failed re-looting.
“We fought a running battle to stop those bent on re-looting. I told my Chiefs right here that I would rather the artefacts remain abroad than be re-looted while I sit on the throne,” he said.
“There was once a government that sought to destabilise the Benin Kingdom, but our ancestors rose and defended the realm,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, Ikhilor described the return as “a historic triumph, 128 years in the making,” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the artefacts and supporting the palace with necessary infrastructure.
This is a moment of pride for the state. We are committed to ensuring that a befitting museum is built – one that not only protects these treasures but also attracts the world to Benin, the cradle of African bronze civilisation,” he said.
Van Bommel reiterated the Netherlands’ commitment to cultural restitution, “These items were undoubtedly looted, and we have returned them in accordance with our cultural restitution policy. It is only right that they return to Benin City, their place of origin.”
In his remarks, NCMM Director-General Holloway described the occasion as both “symbolic and historic,” noting that the Dutch museum bore the full cost of the artefacts’ return.
“An official signing ceremony between Nigeria and the Netherlands will take place on June 21 at the National Museum in Lagos, with representatives from both nations and the Benin Palace in attendance,” he announced.
