In a historic moment at the Benin Royal Palace on Thursday, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, took delivery of 119 looted artefacts repatriated from the Netherlands.
The revered monarch expressed profound gratitude to both President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, acknowledging their crucial roles in securing the return of the priceless items.
Oba Ewuare described the restitution as a result of divine intervention, stating that, “Messrs Tinubu and Buhari ensured the artefacts were not looted for another round.”
He alleged that “there were groups in this country believed to be an international cartel that had all sorts of conspiracies to enable them to re-loot our artefacts,” underscoring the importance of vigilance and unity in safeguarding national heritage.
The monarch also commended the Dutch government for their cooperation, remarking that their action had rekindled the spirit and pride of the Benin people.
He extended special appreciation to the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, for his instrumental role in the artefacts’ recovery.
In a message to Nigerian youth, Oba Ewuare encouraged resilience in difficult times, emphasizing that the artefacts’ return was a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through unwavering determination and faith.
He stated that the event with prayers alongside NCMM officials, expressing hope for the continued recovery of more stolen treasures.
Earlier, Olugbile Holloway reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to working closely with the Benin Palace to bring back additional artefacts still held overseas.
He revealed that the 119 items repatriated marked the highest single batch of recovered artefacts to date.
Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Secretary to the State Government Musa Ikhilor pledged that the state would support federal efforts by developing appropriate infrastructure for storing and preserving the returned pieces.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the General-Director of Wereld Museum in the Netherlands, Marieke Van Bommel, said her country was committed to returning cultural items that do not belong to them.
She noted, however, that although more artefacts exist across Europe, many are beyond her institution’s jurisdiction.
