Cambridge University Don Return 116 Benin Artefacts to Nigeria

My people, e don happen! Cambridge University don finally return 116 Betin artefacts to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). Na serious step wey dem take to correct colonial wahala wey don dey disturb the land since 1897 when British soldiers carry the things go abroad.

This matter na big gist as the university announce am today, and e follow the formal request wey NCMM make since January 2022. Dem ask for the return of the artefacts wey British force gree carry when dem sack Benin City dem time.

With the backing of the University Council and na the UK Charity Commission gree give their approval, dem go arrange how the artefacts go waka back home—most of dem go land for Nigeria, but small number go still dey on loan for the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) for a while. Just to make sure say our people wey be students, researchers, and visitors fit still see am.

The artefacts wey dem go return get plenty brass, some ivory, and wooden sculptures wey dey show the rich culture of Benin. Na during the so-called ‘Punitive Expedition’ wey happen for February 1897 dem take all these things after wahala over trade issues don burst.

Olugbile Holloway, wey be Director-General for NCMM, talk say this move na big turn point for how dem dey relate with Cambridge. E praise the effort and hope say other museums go join hand to do the same. “Na no be only the physical object wey dey come back, but we also dey restore the pride wey people lose when dem take the things,” e yan.

Prof. Nicholas Thomas wey dey run MAA talk say dem don work plenty with Nigerian stakeholders, including the Oba and plenty scholars for the past ten years. Dem don arrange many meetings and research work before this return. E show say the world dey change as more people dey support historical justice.

This action fit join the movement wey don dey pick up steam as other museums for the UK, US, and Europe dey follow suit too. Na like this the repatriation of cultural items dey take turn from abstract talk to real action, and na everybody dey watch wetin go happen next.

As Nigeria dey prepare to receive these artefacts back, e go sweet to see how our culture and history go shine again for the global stage. The journey no go easy, but now na time to gather the pieces and tell our own stories well.

So, my people, make we show love for this big win! Artefacts wey represent our culture and heritage don find their way back home. Time to celebrate, but we go still dey watch out for wetin go happen with other museums wey still hold on to our treasures.