Cambridge University set to return looted Benin Bronze

Oba of Benin hopes the move will encourage British Museum to hand over bronzes.

Hundreds of Benin Bronze were stolen from Benin City by British colocial forces (Picture: Chris Loades)

A CAMBRDIGE university college is set to return a Benin Bronze to Nigeria in what has been described as a “historic moment.”

The bronze cockerel, currently held at the University of Cambridge’s Jesus College, will be handed over to Nigerian delegates on 27th October, more than 120 years after it was stolen by British forces.

Following a student-led campaign, joined by staff and representative, the college set up its Legacy of Slavery Working Party in 2019 to explore the historical and moral issues over their ownership of the antique.

“This is the right thing to do out of respect for the unique heritage and history of this artefact.

Sonita Alleyne, Master of Jesus College, Cambridge Uni

In November 2019, the prestigious College became the first institution in the world to announce its decision to return a Benin Bronze.

Ms Sonita Alleyne OBE, Master of Jesus College, said: “This is an historic moment. We look forward to welcoming representatives from Nigeria and Benin to the handover ceremony and to celebrating the return of this Bronze.

“This is the right thing to do out of respect for the unique heritage and history of this artefact.

“Since we took the decision to return the Bronze following the College’s Legacy of Slavery Working Party’s (LSWP) extensive research, many organisations have followed in our footsteps.

“I would like to thank the LSWP for its diligent and careful investigation into the provenance of the Bronze, to the Fellows for their keen support for its restitution, and to our students who pioneered early calls for this.”

The Benin Bronze was revealed to have been looted from the Court of Benin, as part of the punitive British expedition of 1897 and later given to the College in 1905 by the father of a student.

Its return to Nigeria will be marked with an official ceremony to complete the handover with the move expecting to spark further debate around reparations and Britain’s colonial past.

His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II said: “We are indeed very pleased and commend Jesus College for taking this lead in making restitution for the plunder that occurred in Benin in 1897.

“We truly hope that others will expedite the return of our artworks which in many cases are of religious importance to us. We wish to thank our President Buhari and our National Commission for Museums and Monuments for their renewed efforts in securing the release of our artefacts on our behalf.”

He added: “Finally, we wish to thank the student body of Cambridge University for bringing to light the historical significance of this revered piece of the Royal Court of Benin.

“It is worthy of note that our father attended Cambridge University but was then Prince Solomon Akenzua. He later ascended the throne of our forefathers as Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin.”

Comments Form

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*
*

Support The Voice

The Voice Newspaper is committed to celebrating black excellence, campaigning for positive change and informing the black community on important issues. Your financial contributions are essential to protect the future of the publication as we strive to help raise the profile of the black communities across the UK. Any size donation is welcome and we thank you for your continued support.

Support Sign-up