Arts & CultureNewsUK University to Return Looted Benin Bronze to Nigeria

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The University of Aberdeen has said it has decided to return a Benin Bronze to Nigeria within the next few weeks.

The bronze is said to be a fraction of a haul of thousands of religious and cultural treasures taken when British forces looted Nigeria in the 19th century.

The treasures were later auctioned to Western museums and collectors several years ago.

In a statement, the institution called the 1897 punitive expedition was one of the most notorious examples of the pillaging of cultural treasures associated with 19th-century European colonial expansion.

“Thousands of metal and ivory sculptures and carvings were looted by British forces in 1897 during the destruction of Benin City in present-day Nigeria by a British military expedition.

“Over the last 40 years there have been growing calls for the return of such items, which have become symbols of injustice,” the university said.

Also, George Boyne, the Principal, and Vice-chancellor of the university said the decision was in line with the varsity values as an international, inclusive university.

“It would not have been right to have retained an item of such great cultural importance that was acquired in such reprehensible circumstances. We, therefore, decided that an unconditional return is the most appropriate action we can take, and are grateful for the close collaboration with our partners in Nigeria,” he said.

Responding to this, the Nigerian government welcomed the development, identifying that the University’s decision to release antiquity is a step in the right direction.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said other holders of Nigerian antiquity ought to emulate this to bring fairness to the burning issue of repatriation.

 

Beloved John (Staff Writer)

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