The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, has taken custody of two historically significant Royal stools from the German government. This symbolic milestone marks the return of artifacts looted during the punitive expedition of 1897.
According to historical records, the returned artifacts—a bronze and a wooden Royal stool (Ekete)—were crafted during the reigns of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie. These stools were taken from the Oba’s Palace during the British punitive expedition in 1897. They were handed over to the Nigerian government by German authorities in 2022.
The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, presented the artifacts to the Oba of Benin on behalf of the Nigerian government in a ceremony held at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City on May 18, 2024.
During the presentation, Mr. Holloway pledged the NCMM’s commitment to working closely with the Benin Royal Court to promote and display Edo culture and heritage. He expressed the Commission’s dedication to supporting the Royal Court as more Benin Bronzes and other artworks are repatriated to Nigeria.
“What you see before us were originally taken away from the Royal family in 1897. We have a stool made of bronze and a wooden stool. I speak for every member of my team, to say that we remain loyal to the Royal Court. And if there is anything we can do, we will do to support this laudable initiative,” Holloway stated.
He emphasized that the heritage of Benin is also Nigeria’s heritage, noting the global recognition of Benin’s artistic works. He pledged that the NCMM would continue to support the preservation and promotion of this heritage.
The ceremony saw the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, joyfully unveiling the repatriated artifacts. He expressed his gratitude to the German government, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the NCMM for their efforts in returning the stolen artifacts.
In a historic move, Oba Ewuare II sat on one of the Royal stools and presented a symbolic white chunk, representing peace and blessings, to Mr. Holloway. He offered prayers for Holloway and his team, accompanied by the Curator of the National Museum, Benin, Mark Olaitan, and the Director of Legal Services at NCMM, Babatunde Adebiyi. The event was marked by traditional Benin drumming and dancing, celebrating the cultural and historical significance of the occasion.
