The Netherlands to return the stolen Benin statue to Nigeria

The Netherlands said in the late 19th century that the British were plundered in Nigeria and more than 100 Benin Bronzes would return from the Dutch museum.

In 1897, in modern Nigeria, the country was stolen this culturally important sculpture and sculpture among the violent destruction of Benin City.

Treasures were sold, and some were sold in museums such as private collectors and other museums such as Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands, which have been shown for decades.

Olugbile Holloway, Secretary of State, Nigerian National Museum and Monument Committee (NCMM), said that the return of 119 artifacts is “the greatest repatriation of Benin ancient artifacts.”

Despite the name, not all statues were made of bronze. This includes dolls, tusks, benin ruler sculptures, ivory masks. They were created between the 15th and 19th centuries.

Consensus will be signed on Wednesday. Holloway added that it would be a good example for other countries.

In 2022 Germany, more than 20 Benin Bronze returned for the first time. “Dark Colonial History”.

The AFP News Agency said, “This return is contributing to the remedy of historical injustice that is still felt today.

Sculptures, famous for their beauty and technical arts, are spiritually and historically important to people in Nigeria.

Their stolen still remains the point of pain for the descendants of the ancient Benin kingdom.

This movement can apply pressure to return other organizations to return the Benin Bronze, especially the British Museum with more than 900 artificial materials.

Outside the British Museum, protests and protests were held.

But parliamentary action prevents the British Museum from returning them.

For many people in Nigeria, Benin Bronze strongly reminds the violence of colonialism.

NCMM has announced an official request for repatriation at the museum around the world.

Nigeria planned to open the African Art Museum in Benin City in 2026, designed by Sir David Adjaye, a British-Ghana architect to accept the largest Benin Bronze collection.