18/04/2025
DID YOU KNOW?
That the
Fight for the Benin Bronzes Began Long Before the Hashtags?
I bet you know, But if you don’t, Read
In October 1956, Oba Akenzua II of Benin made history during an official visit to the United Kingdom with his wife, Queen Idada, he formally demanded the return of the Benin Bronzes the priceless artifacts looted by British forces during the brutal Punitive Expedition that led to the fall of the Benin Kingdom under the rulership of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi in year 1897.
"The invitation extended by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was then the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, formed part of a diplomatic initiative to strengthen relations between the British monarchy and the Kingdom of Benin. Such invitations were intended to foster goodwill and promote cooperation between the British Empire and traditional African monarchies. Oba Akenzua II and his wife were received with great honor, underscoring the respect the British Crown accorded to African royal institutions."
But the question is what was the outcome of the journey?
🔍 The Outcome?
Although Oba Akenzua II's request did not lead to the immediate return of any artifacts, but it signalled the beginning of a prolonged diplomatic effort toward restitution. The British Museum acknowledged the appeal but cited "legal and ownership constraints" as barriers to action. Nonetheless, the request by Oba Akenzua II's laid the foundation for future dialogue and advocacy.
The Aftermath:
A few bronzes were returned as private gestures by British officers even before 1956,
Institutions remained largely silent for decades, But from 2020 onward, a global reckoning began. Museums across Germany, the UK and the US started returning
stolen pieces of this artifacts.
"It took 59 years of persistent efforts by the people of Benin to initiate the process for the return of their stolen artifacts, and a further 64 years before any items began to be returned gradually, not in full, but piece by piece.
Oba Akenzua II's 1956 plea is not only recognized as a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the current restitution movement, but also as a testament to the fact that while the pursuit of justice may be delayed, history never forgets those who first raised their voices. Oba atopoye! Ise.
