England set to return stolen Benin Bronze
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments will receive a Benin Bronze from Jesus College, University of Cambridge, England, on Wednesday, October 2021.
The bronze piece will be the first to return to Nigeria since they were stolen during the invasion of the old Benin Kingdom by the British.
In a message to the college, His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Ewuare II expressed his delight at the return of the artifact which he described as important to the religious beliefs of the Benin people.
In his words, “We are indeed very pleased and commend Jesus College for taking this lead in making restitution for the plunder that occurred in Benin in 1897.
“We truly hope that others will expedite the return of our artworks which in many cases are of religious importance to us. We wish to thank our President, Buhari, and our National Commission for Museums and Monuments for their renewed efforts in securing the release of the artifacts on our behalf.
“Finally, we wish to thank the student body of Cambridge University for bringing to light the historical significance of this revered piece of the Royal Court of Benin. It is worthy of note that our father attended Cambridge University but was then Prince Solomon Akenzua. He later ascended the throne of our forefathers as Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin.”
England set to return stolen Benin Bronze