Nigeria Oba of Benin Reclaims Two Looted Artefacts from U.S. Museum

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, received two looted artefacts from the University of Iowa Museum, marking a significant step in the repatriation of Benin's cultural heritage. Former President Buhari's gazette confirmed the artefacts' ownership, supporting the preservation of the kingdom's traditions and customs.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, welcomed the return of two significant artefacts to the Benin Kingdom on Monday. The artefacts, a mother hen sculpture, and a bronze plaque were repatriated from the University of Iowa Museum in the United States. These pieces were among those looted during the British invasion of the Benin palace in 1897.

In a ceremony at his palace, Oba Ewuare II expressed his gratitude, noting the historical and spiritual significance of the artefacts. He highlighted the efforts of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who through a recent gazette, affirmed the ownership of these artefacts by the Benin Kingdom. The Oba acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors who initiated the process of reclaiming these cultural treasures and expressed his fulfillment in seeing the fruition of these efforts during his reign.

The monarch emphasized that the artefacts are not merely decorative items but hold deep spiritual meanings that transcend ordinary understanding. He urged political leaders to continue supporting the preservation of the Benin Kingdom's traditions and customs.

Cory Gundlach, a curator from the University of Iowa Museum, apologized on behalf of the institution for using the artefacts as teaching materials. He assured the Oba of their commitment to facilitating the return of other artefacts still held abroad.

This event marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to recover and repatriate the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom, underscoring the importance of preserving historical and spiritual connections to the past.

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