The Netherlands has formally returned a looted Benin artefact to Oba Ewuare II, 129 years after the British invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897.
The handover ceremony took place at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City on October 20, coinciding with the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary.
The artefact was presented by Dutch Consul General Frank Keurnorst and Beatrice van Bormann, Executive Director of Museum De Fundatie, in the presence of dignitaries including Portuguese Ambassador Paulo Santos.
Chief Lucky Imasue, chairman of the coronation anniversary committee and former Edo deputy governor, described the return as historic, noting that all Benin artefacts rightfully belong to the Oba.
He added that more items are expected to be repatriated.Oba Ewuare II praised the Netherlands for the gesture and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural ties with Portugal, recalling the establishment of the Holy Aruosa Church during Portuguese influence in Benin.
He also commended Van Bormann for her dedication to the restitution process.The artefact’s return marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s campaign for the restitution of cultural treasures looted during colonial times, reinforcing the kingdom’s heritage and historical identity.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com