By Israel Adebiyi
His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has revealed that an international art cartel attempted to re-loot priceless Benin artefacts, but failed, as the Government of the Netherlands has returned 119 looted Benin bronzes to the ancient kingdom in a major cultural and diplomatic victory.
The Oba made the revelation during a symbolic ceremony held at his palace to welcome the repatriated artefacts, originally looted during the British invasion of Benin in 1897.
In attendance were the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, and the Director-General of Wereld Museum, Ms. Marieke van Bommel, who led a delegation from the Netherlands and Abuja to formally return the artefacts to their ancestral home.
According to the Oba, the return was achieved through sustained advocacy by the Benin Royal Court and formal diplomatic engagement by the Nigerian government.
The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, through Minister Eppo Bruins, signed the transfer agreements in collaboration with NCMM’s Director General, Mr. Holloway. The artefacts were officially received on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, sparking widespread celebration in the kingdom.
Oba Ewuare II expressed deep appreciation to God, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for their roles in ensuring the artefacts were returned legitimately, rather than diverted through political or illicit channels.
He disclosed that groups within Nigeria, supported by an international cartel, conspired to re-loot the artefacts, but were thwarted by divine intervention and the vigilance of the Royal Court.
“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,” the Oba said.
“They tried to extinguish the spirit and morale of the Benin people. But the people of this great kingdom have remained bold, brave, and courageous, even after the tragedy of 1897.”
The Oba warned against modern political interests attempting to erode the cultural dignity of the Benin people, urging all stakeholders to safeguard the kingdom’s heritage.
He commended Governor Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Musa Ikhilor, for supporting the palace in celebrating the historic return.
He also praised NCMM DG Olugbile Holloway for his commitment to the repatriation process and drew a sharp contrast with Holloway’s predecessor, whom he accused of complicity in the failed re-looting attempt.
“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 stated. “There was once a government that sought to destabilize the Benin Kingdom, but our ancestors rose and defended the realm.”
Representing Governor Okpebholo, Mr. Musa Ikhilor reaffirmed Edo State Government’s commitment to preserving the artefacts and supporting the palace in developing robust infrastructure for their conservation.
He described the event as a proud and historic moment, 128 years in the making, underscoring the resilience of the Edo people whose advocacy led to the return of their cultural heritage.
He added that the state government would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government and the Benin Royal Court to establish world-class storage and display systems for the artefacts, with the goal of boosting tourism and preserving cultural heritage in Edo State.
“We are committed to ensuring that a befitting museum is built—one that does not only protect these treasures but also attracts the world to Benin, the cradle of African bronze civilization.”
Ms. Marieke van Bommel, head of the Dutch delegation and Director-General of Wereld Museum, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to cultural restitution, noting that the 119 artefacts had been held in Dutch collections for over a century.
“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,” she said.
NCMM Director General, Mr. Holloway, described the occasion as both symbolic and historic, noting that the repatriation followed years of negotiation and cooperation with institutions holding the artefacts.
He confirmed that the Dutch museum bore all associated costs and announced that a formal signing ceremony between Nigeria and the Netherlands would take place on June 21 at the National Museum in Lagos, with representatives from both countries and the Benin Palace in attendance.
