NETHERLANDS RESTITUTION EFFORT DELIVERS HISTORIC BENIN ARTEFACT TO OBA EWUARE II 129 YEARS AFTER BRITISH INVASION

Consul General of the Netherlands and Museum De Fundatie executive present looted royal treasure at Benin Palace during 10th coronation anniversary proceedings

The Netherlands government and Dutch cultural institutions have formally returned a historically looted Benin artefact to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, 129 years after it was unlawfully removed from the kingdom during the British punitive expedition of 1897.

The formal handover took place at the Royal Palace in Benin City, Edo State, coinciding with celebrations marking the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary and 73rd birthday.

Presenting the cultural treasure on behalf of the Dutch delegation, the Consul General of the Netherlands, Frank Keurnorst, alongside Beatrice van Bormann, Executive Director of Museum De Fundatie, emphasized that the restitution reflects growing international commitment toward addressing historic colonial injustices and returning stolen royal property to its rightful custodian.

Speaking on behalf of the 10th Coronation Anniversary Committee, former Edo State Deputy Governor Lucky Imasue noted that the returned item represents a vital piece of the kingdom's recorded history, affirming that all restituted royal assets belong directly under the stewardship of the Oba of Benin.

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) reiterated the Federal Government's official policy backing the unconditional return of looted cultural heritage to the traditional authority of the Benin Kingdom, as diplomatic negotiations continue with foreign museums to repatriate remaining treasures.