Benin City, Nigeria – In a historic and jubilant event, the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, celebrated the return of looted Benin artefacts from Germany. The celebration marks a significant moment in the cultural restoration and heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
The ceremony, held at the ancient Benin Royal Palace in Benin City, attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, and cultural enthusiasts from around the globe. The artefacts, including intricately designed bronzes and other priceless cultural items, were among the thousands taken during the British punitive expedition of 1897.
In his address, the Oba expressed immense gratitude to the German government and all stakeholders involved in the repatriation process. “Today, we celebrate not just the return of our stolen treasures but the restoration of our cultural dignity and heritage. These artefacts are a testament to the rich history and artistic excellence of the Benin Kingdom,” he said.
The German government, represented by officials from the Ministry of Culture and Foreign Affairs, handed over the artefacts in a formal ceremony. They acknowledged the historical injustice and expressed their commitment to further supporting the restitution of cultural properties to their rightful owners.
“This repatriation is a significant step towards addressing historical wrongs and fostering a deeper cultural understanding and cooperation between our nations,” said a German representative at the ceremony. “We are honoured to return these treasures to their rightful home and will continue to work towards similar restitutions.”
The returned artefacts included a variety of items such as plaques, statues, and other ceremonial objects, each with its unique historical significance. These items are not only artistic masterpieces but also hold deep spiritual and cultural meanings for the people of Benin.
The return of these treasures has been met with widespread acclaim and joy among the local community and the Nigerian populace at large. Many view this as a victory for the global movement advocating for the repatriation of cultural artefacts to their countries of origin.
In a symbolic act, the Oba of Benin conducted traditional rites to welcome the artefacts back to their homeland. He reiterated the importance of preserving the kingdom’s heritage and called for continued efforts to recover more stolen artefacts scattered around the world.
Cultural experts and historians have lauded the return of the artefacts as a pivotal moment in the global efforts to correct historical injustices related to colonial plunder. “This is a powerful reminder of the resilience of our culture and the importance of safeguarding our heritage for future generations,” said a local historian.
The returned artefacts will be displayed in a newly established section of the Benin City National Museum, ensuring that they remain accessible to the public and future generations. The museum aims to serve as a center for education and cultural exchange, highlighting the rich history of the Benin Kingdom.
As the celebration concluded, the atmosphere in Benin City was one of pride and optimism. The return of these artefacts not only restores a part of the kingdom’s history but also strengthens the cultural identity and unity of the Benin people.