Kehinde Fajobi
The Netherlands on Wednesday, February 19, announced the return of 113 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, marking the largest repatriation of artefacts from the 1897 British raid on the Benin Kingdom.
British troops looted the ancient sculptures—depicting royal figures and animals—from what is now southern Nigeria before they were sold and eventually displayed at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden.
“With this return, we are contributing to the redress of a historical injustice that is still felt today,” said Dutch Culture Minister Eppo Bruins.
Olugbile Holloway, Director General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments, described the move as a significant step.
READ ALSO: US group opposes Benin Bronzes’ return to Nigeria
“We hope that this will be a good example… for other countries worldwide,” he said.
Germany began repatriating its Benin Bronzes in 2022, but the British Museum in London has refused to return any, citing a 1963 law that prevents it from relinquishing the artefacts.