Looted Benin Bronze Statue Returned to Nigeria

After more than a century abroad, a priceless Benin Bronze has finally returned home to Nigeria.
This powerful moment marks not just the physical return of a royal artifact, but a spiritual and cultural homecoming for the people of Benin and the entire nation.

🕰️ The Story Behind the Benin Bronzes

The Benin Bronzes are a collection of exquisitely crafted brass and bronze sculptures and plaques once housed in the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin, in present-day Edo State. These historical treasures were looted by British soldiers during the 1897 punitive expedition, an invasion that devastated the Benin Kingdom.

Since then, thousands of these artifacts have been scattered across museums and private collections in Europe and North America — celebrated abroad, yet mourned at home.

✈️ A Long-Awaited Return

After years of negotiations, advocacy, and increasing global pressure, one of these treasured pieces has now been formally returned to Nigeria.
The handover ceremony was filled with emotion, pride, and reflection, as officials from Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) received the artifact.

This particular bronze — believed to depict a royal figure or deity — had been in the possession of a European institution for over 120 years.

👑 A Moment of Cultural Healing

His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, the current Oba of Benin, described the return as deeply symbolic:

“This is more than art. This is our history, our heritage, and our soul.”

The Nigerian government and cultural stakeholders echoed this sentiment, calling it a powerful step toward correcting the injustices of colonial exploitation.

🏛️ Where Will the Bronze Be Housed?

The returned artifact is expected to be preserved either at the Benin Royal Palace or the upcoming Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) — a state-of-the-art facility designed to house and celebrate West Africa’s cultural heritage.

This move also strengthens Nigeria’s case for the return of more than 3,000 additional Benin Bronzes still held overseas.