A long journey home: Netherlands returns 119 Benin bronzes to Nigeria

After more than a century abroad,119 Benin Bronzes have returned to Nigeria,marking the largest single repatriation of looted artifacts to date.

Originally stolen during a brutal British raid on the Benin Kingdom in 1897,the sculptures — including royal regalia,plaques,and ceremonial figures — were officially handed over by the Netherlands in a historic ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos. “These are embodiments of the spirit and identity of the people from which they were taken,” said Olugbile Holloway,Director-General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments. The return,he emphasized,reflects a growing international movement to restore dignity and cultural heritage to formerly colonized nations.

The artifacts,once held in the Dutch State Collection and exhibited at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden,were received with cultural ceremonies and blessings by Oba Ewuare II,the traditional ruler of Benin. He called the return a “divine intervention” and a triumph of persistent advocacy. Dutch officials,including Ambassador Dewi van de Weerd,hailed the restitution as a step toward repairing colonial injustices. “We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter,but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums,” she said. The Nigerian government continues to seek the return of hundreds more items from museums around the world,reaffirming its commitment to reclaiming its history and heritage.