Governor Monday Okpebholo has reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to preserving the repatriated Benin artefacts and supporting the Oba’s Palace in building robust infrastructure for their conservation.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Musa Ikhilor, stated this on Wednesday during a symbolic ceremony at the Palace of the Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, to officially receive the artefacts originally plundered during the infamous British invasion of 1897.
Describing the return as a historic triumph 128 years in the making, the governor said, “This is a moment of pride for the State. It attests to the indomitable spirit of the Edo people, whose relentless advocacy has culminated in the return of these artefacts to their rightful home.”
He assured that the State Government would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government and the Benin Royal Court to enhance storage and display systems for the artefacts, with the goal of boosting tourism and preserving Edo’s cultural heritage.
“We are committed to ensuring that a befitting museum is built—one that not only protects these treasures but also attracts the world to Benin, the cradle of African bronze civilization,” he added.
Oba Ewuare II disclosed that an international art cartel had attempted to re-loot the priceless artefacts, but failed. He noted that the Dutch government, in a resounding cultural and diplomatic victory, returned 119 looted Benin Bronzes to the ancient Kingdom.
The Oba expressed deep gratitude to God Almighty, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Governor Monday Okpebholo for their roles in ensuring the artefacts were returned to Benin rather than diverted through illicit or political means.
“There were groups in this country, backed by an international cartel, who conspired to re-loot our artefacts. They hatched a strategy to steal these treasures again, but they failed. Our ancestors protected them,” the Oba declared.
He also condemned modern political interests attempting to erode the cultural dignity of the Benin people. “We must not allow partisan politics to diminish our heritage,” he said, while thanking Governor Okpebholo, represented by Mr. Ikhilor, for standing with the kingdom on the historic occasion.
The monarch commended Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, for his pivotal role in the repatriation process, while sharply criticizing his predecessor for alleged complicity in the failed re-looting attempt.
“There was once a government that sought to destabilize the Benin Kingdom, but our ancestors rose and defended the realm,” Oba Ewuare II declared, adding that he would rather have the artefacts remain abroad than be re-looted under his watch.
The artefacts were officially received on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, amid widespread jubilation across the Kingdom. Ms. Marieke van Bommel, who led the Dutch delegation as Director-General of Wereld Museum, reiterated the Netherlands’ commitment to returning looted cultural heritage.
“These items were undoubtedly looted, and we have returned them in accordance with our cultural restitution policy. It is only right that they return to Benin City, their place of origin,” she said.
NCMM Director-General Holloway noted that the repatriation took several years of negotiations and was made possible by the cooperation of institutions holding the artefacts. He also confirmed that the Dutch museum bore all costs associated with the return.
An official signing ceremony between Nigeria and the Netherlands is scheduled for June 21 at the National Museum in Lagos, with representatives from both nations and the Benin Palace in attendance.
