Okpebholo Welcomes Return of Benin Bronzes, Affirms Oba’s Custodianship
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has welcomed the return of the Benin Bronzes, describing the restitution as a historic moment for the Benin Kingdom. He also reaffirmed that the artefacts belong to the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
The governor spoke on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) at the Government House in Benin City.
The delegation was led by NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway. It included Switzerland's Consul General in Lagos, Conny Camenzind, Director of the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich, Professor Dr. Alice Hertzog, Curator Dr. Alex Malefakis, and other officials involved in the restitution process.
Benin Bronzes Belong to the Oba's Palace
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Okpebholo said the Benin Bronzes should never become the subject of political controversy.
"There is no point in playing politics with what belongs to the palace," he said.
According to the governor, the artefacts represent the spiritual, cultural, and historical identity of the Benin Kingdom.
"They are not just bronze objects. They are symbols of our heritage. They all belong to the Oba's Palace," he added.
Okpebholo also thanked the Swiss Government for supporting the return of the Benin Bronzes. He described the decision as an important step toward restoring the kingdom's cultural heritage.
NCMM Continues Benin Bronzes Restitution Efforts
NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway said the visit demonstrated the commission's continued partnership with the Edo State Government, the Palace of the Oba of Benin, and international institutions.
He said the NCMM remains committed to securing the return of more Benin Bronzes from museums and collections around the world.
"Benin is ground zero when it comes to restitution, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments is at the forefront of that effort," Holloway said.
He disclosed that all the Benin Bronzes recently returned by Switzerland had arrived in Nigeria and were currently in Lagos.
According to him, members of the delegation would later visit the Palace of the Oba of Benin to symbolically present some of the returned artefacts for traditional blessings.
Switzerland Welcomes Benin Bronzes Partnership
Speaking on behalf of the Swiss Government, Consul General Conny Camenzind described the restitution as an important milestone in cultural cooperation between Switzerland and Nigeria.
She said Switzerland was proud to have worked with the NCMM and the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich to facilitate the return of the Benin Bronzes.
Camenzind added that she hopes the collaboration will strengthen cultural ties between both countries.
History of the Benin Bronzes
The Benin Bronzes were looted during the British invasion of Benin in 1897. During the expedition, thousands of royal plaques, sculptures, ivory carvings, ceremonial objects, and other treasures were removed from the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
Many of the artefacts were later sold to museums and private collectors across Europe and North America.
In recent years, governments and museums in Switzerland, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and other countries have begun returning Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.
The latest restitution is part of ongoing international efforts to reunite the Benin Kingdom with its cultural heritage.
The meeting was attended by Edo State Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, Head of Service Anthony Okungbowa, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Prince Kassim Afegbua, Chief of Staff Musa Yakubu, and other senior government officials.
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