“Benin Bronzes Are Not Just Works Of Art; They Are Sacred Objects That Hold The Soul Of Our History,” says Oba Of Benin
by OKEGBE OLUCHI TONIA
Nigeria has taken a historic leap in reclaiming its cultural heritage as the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) seal a landmark deal with the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, to take charge of the celebrated Benin Bronzes. Seized by force during the brutal 1897 British invasion, these treasured artifacts have sparked global debates over their rightful home for decades.
This new agreement between the NCMM and the Benin Royal Palace signifies a turning point in Nigeria’s commitment to preserving its historical artifacts, ensuring they are placed in a secure and culturally appropriate environment. Through this arrangement, the repatriated Benin Bronzes will be housed in the yet-to-be-completed Benin Royal Museum, a facility designed to accommodate and exhibit the priceless works of art in accordance with their historical and spiritual significance.
The Benin Bronzes, a collection of thousands of intricately crafted plaques, sculptures, and other works of art, were created by the Edo people as symbols of royalty, history, and religious beliefs. These artifacts, dating back to the 13th century, adorned the royal palace of the Benin Kingdom and played a crucial role in documenting the kingdom’s past, honoring its rulers, and serving as sacred objects for spiritual rituals.
However, in 1897, British forces attacked the Benin Kingdom after a group of Benin soldiers killed a British party without the Oba’s direct orders. According to historical accounts from the National Museum of African Art, the British saw this as justification to invade, loot valuable artifacts and exile Oba Ovonramwen. This event led to the loss of many cultural treasures and had a lasting impact on the Benin Kingdom. For over a century, these invaluable artifacts have been housed in prominent Western institutions such as the British Museum, the Berlin Ethnological Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, sparking widespread calls for their return to their rightful home.
Oba Ewuare II, the current monarch of the Benin Kingdom, has been a vocal advocate for the return of the Benin Bronzes, emphasizing their cultural and spiritual importance to the Edo people. Over the past few years, his efforts have intensified, leading to significant breakthroughs in negotiations with foreign governments and museums.
“This is a monumental victory for our kingdom, our people, and our ancestors,” the Oba stated during a recent ceremony in Benin City. “The Benin Bronzes are not just works of art; they are sacred objects that hold the soul of our history. Their return represents justice and a reconnection to our past.”
The agreement with the NCMM ensures that the artifacts will not be taken out of Benin City or placed in government-controlled museums without the approval of the royal family. This decision aligns with the wishes of the Edo people, many of whom have long argued that the artifacts belong in the custody of the Oba, as they were originally created for the royal palace.
One key aspect of the repatriation plan is the construction of the Benin Royal Museum, a world-class facility dedicated to showcasing the Benin Bronzes in their rightful context. The museum, which has received support from both local and international organizations, is expected to become a major cultural landmark in Nigeria and a symbol of the country’s successful restitution efforts.
“The Benin Royal Museum will not just be a place to display artifacts,” said Abba I. Tijani, director-general, NCMM, “It will be a center for cultural education, historical research and global dialogue on heritage preservation.”
The museum is designed to reflect traditional Benin architectural styles while incorporating modern exhibition techniques. It will feature climate-controlled galleries, educational spaces, and interactive installations that will allow visitors to experience the rich history of the Benin Kingdom firsthand.
While historians and cultural activists have played a significant role in the struggle for the return of the Benin Bronzes, the Nigerian film industry has also contributed to raising awareness about this crucial aspect of the country’s history. The 2014 historical film “Invasion 1897”, directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, provided a gripping dramatization of the events leading up to the looting of the Benin artifacts.
The film, which starred notable actors such as Mike Omoregbe, Charles Inojie and Segun Arinze, portrayed the resilience of the Benin Kingdom and the tragic consequences of colonial aggression. By blending historical facts with cinematic storytelling, Invasion 1897 has educated audiences both in Nigeria and internationally about the importance of the Benin Bronzes and the injustice of their displacement.
“As filmmakers, we have a duty to preserve our history and ensure that our stories are told by us, not by outsiders,” Imasuen said in a recent interview. “The Benin Bronzes represent our identity, and their return is something that every Nigerian should be proud of.” Beyond “Invasion 1897”, other filmmakers and documentary producers are now exploring the rich history of the Benin Kingdom, further fueling interest in the artifacts and their significance.
The agreement between Nigeria’s NCMM and the Benin Royal Palace has been widely praised by international cultural institutions and heritage organizations. Germany, the Netherlands and the United States have been among the countries actively working to return looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, with several pieces already repatriated in recent years.
In 2022, Germany returned 20 artifacts, while institutions such as the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., have also repatriated several pieces to Nigeria. The British Museum, which holds the largest collection of Benin Bronzes, has faced growing pressure to return its artifacts, though it has yet to take decisive action.
Experts believe that the successful implementation of the Benin Royal Museum project will encourage more Western institutions to return looted African artifacts, setting a precedent for restitution efforts worldwide.
The return of the Benin Bronzes to the custody of the royal leaders of the Benin Kingdom marks a significant moment in the fight for cultural restitution. For over a century, these artifacts have been kept in foreign lands, separated from the people who created and revered them. With this historic agreement, Nigeria is taking a firm stand in reclaiming its heritage and ensuring that future generations can connect with their rich and powerful history.
As the construction of the Benin Royal Museum progresses and more artifacts make their way back home, the dream of fully restoring the legacy of the Benin Kingdom is becoming a reality. Through the leadership of the Oba of Benin, the efforts of cultural activists and the storytelling power of Nigerian filmmakers, the world is witnessing a moment of justice, remembrance, and renewal.
