President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that ownership and custody of all repatriated artefacts looted from the Benin Kingdom in 1897 belong to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II.
The announcement, published in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette on March 28, 2023, formally recognizes the Oba as the rightful custodian of the treasures. The declaration applies to the famous Benin Bronzes and other works looted during the British invasion of 1897 and later dispersed worldwide.
Oba of Benin Recognized as Custodian
The gazette signed by Buhari on March 23, 2023, vests ownership of all looted artefacts in the Oba of Benin. It confirms that the monarch remains the symbol and custodian of the kingdom’s culture and tradition.
Under the order, any artefact returned to Nigeria must be delivered to the Oba. The monarch will manage their preservation and security, working with local and international institutions where necessary.
Protecting Cultural Heritage
The gazette states that repatriated artefacts may be kept at the Oba’s Palace or other secure locations in Benin City. It also prohibits removal of the items without the Oba’s written consent.
This provision is intended to prevent mismanagement or renewed loss of the cultural treasures. The artefacts include bronzes, ivory, and wood carvings that symbolize the history and identity of the Benin people.
Backed by International Conventions
The declaration cites several conventions, including the 1970 UNESCO treaty against illicit trade in cultural property and the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention on stolen or illegally exported objects. These treaties strengthen Nigeria’s calls for restitution from museums and collectors.
Recent Returns to the Oba of Benin
Some Benin artefacts have already been returned, such as those handed over by Jesus College, Cambridge. More returns are expected as negotiations continue with foreign museums and governments.
A Landmark for the Oba of Benin and Nigeria
“This is not just about art,” a cultural heritage expert observed, “it is about justice, memory, and identity. The artefacts are going back to where they belong — the palace and people of Benin.
See the Official Gazette Below:
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