One of the prominent museums in the United States has finalized plans to return looted Benin Bronzes to Oba of Benin, Ewuare II. Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, announced in a statement on Sunday that the Benin monarch would receive the artefacts today (Monday). These artefacts were looted from the Oba’s palace over a century ago.
Osaigbovo mentioned that defenders of Edo heritage and well-wishers of the royal father are expected to be at the palace by midday.
This development follows the Swedish government’s decision to return 39 pieces of Benin artefacts. Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, conveyed this decision to the Oba in May during a courtesy visit to Benin, Edo State.
“I would like to convey the decision of the Swedish government to return 39 artefacts to the Benin kingdom. This is possible because of the cooperation between the two countries in the areas of culture, education, and trade. So, Your Majesty, I am very honored to be here tonight,” said Hahn-Englund.
In response, the Oba, on behalf of the Edo people, welcomed the decision and expressed gratitude to the Swedish government. The Benin monarch recalled making a request through the Swedish monarch, His Royal Majesty Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus, during his visit to Sweden in 1998 as Nigeria’s ambassador to Scandinavian countries.
The Oba noted that the Federal Government-backed Benin Royal Museum project is still on course and commended the partners for their support and dedication to the project. He also praised the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the federal agency responsible for preserving and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The Oba expressed his appreciation for the enduring affection and remarkable reign of the Swedish monarch, stating, “The demand for the return of looted Benin artefacts has been on since the reign of Oba Akenzua II. I am elated to hear that the return of the artefacts has been approved by the Swedish government. This has been my request for a long time. God’s time is always the best.”