Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Nigeria has received another batch of repatriated Benin Bronzes, marking a significant step in ongoing global efforts to return looted African artefacts to their countries of origin. The latest returns came from the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, United States.
The artefacts—historic bronze works looted during the notorious 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom—were formally handed over to Nigerian officials after months of diplomatic engagement and provenance review by the museum.
According to officials, the items include intricately cast pieces that once adorned the royal palace of the Oba of Benin, representing centuries of Edo craftsmanship, culture, and spiritual heritage. The MFA had confirmed that the objects were acquired without proper documentation, prompting the museum’s board to approve their return as part of its ethical re-evaluation of colonial-era collections.
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Information, Culture and National Orientation welcomed the development, describing it as “another victory for cultural justice and historical restoration.” The ministry noted that the return strengthens Nigeria’s ongoing campaign for the restitution of artefacts removed during colonial military expeditions.
Experts say the latest repatriation adds to the growing momentum as museums across Europe and the U.S. reconsider the legitimacy of holding cultural objects seized during colonial conflicts. Over the past three years, dozens of Benin Bronzes have been returned from Germany, the UK, and several American institutions.
The newly returned pieces are expected to undergo conservation assessment before being placed in national custody. The government has previously announced plans for a dedicated Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) in Benin City—envisioned as a future home for the artefacts.
Today’s development further reinforces international calls for transparency, collaboration, and ethical accountability in the global museum community.
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