In a landmark cultural repatriation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has handed over two Benin Bronzes—a bronze relief plaque and a commemorative head—to the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
The artifacts, looted during the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom, were returned from the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston.
The handover ceremony took place on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, expressed gratitude to Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar for facilitating the return.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, to Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted her thus,
“This is a historic moment for Nigeria, the Ministry, and the people of Benin,” Musawa said. “We are still engaging with others who hold these artifacts, and the process of returning them to their rightful owners will soon continue.”
Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, also praised all facilitators, including NCMM staff and His Royal Highness Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, for leading the recovery efforts.
“What we witness today is the return of a significant part of Nigeria’s history. While symbolic for Benin, it also underscores Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for cultural restitution,” Holloway said.
The handover was witnessed by three high chiefs representing the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, alongside senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and NCMM.