L-R: Michel Deelen, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos; Dewi van de Weerd, Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ngozi Akinyele, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Coronation Group; Olugbile Holloway, Director General, NCMM; Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister for Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy; Princess Iku Eware-Aimiuwu, daughter of the Oba of Benin; Aigbovbioise Aig-Imoukhuede, CEO Coronation Asset Management and Kayode Akindele, Managing Partner Coronation Capital at the signing ceremony to mark the historic return of 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria from The Netherlands.
Coronation Group is proud to announce its partnership with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to establish the Coronation Gallery in Benin – a dedicated space within the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen Facility in Benin City. The gallery will house and showcase a selection of 119 Benin Bronzes recently repatriated to Nigeria from the Netherlands. This historic return marks the largest repatriation of these cultural treasures since they were taken during the British punitive expedition of 1897.
The announcement follows the official signing and handover ceremony held on Saturday, 21 June 2025, at the National Museum in Lagos. Dignitaries in attendance included the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; daughter of the Oba of Benin, Princess Iku Eware-Aimiuwu; Dewi van de Weerd Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Director- General of the NCMM; , Directors of the Wereld Museum and other distinguished guests.
Also in attendance were Coronation CEOs and Executives other officials.
The Coronation Gallery in Benin which is expected to be completed and open for public visits later this year, will provide a world-class space for conservation, education, and public engagement – ensuring that these works are not only preserved but meaningfully displayed.
Speaking on the partnership, Chairman of Coronation Group; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR said: “Far beyond their artistic value, these works represent the depth of our heritage and the strength of our collective identity. Their return marks a powerful restoration of history – a reminder of the dignity, creative excellence, and craftsmanship that have long defined us as a people. We are proud to support their safe return and public preservation, ensuring they inspire future generations and help shape a stronger cultural future for Africa.”
The Director-General of NCMM, Olugbile Holloway, underscored the significance of private sector partnership in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. He stated: “I would like to personally thank Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Coronation Group, for sharing this vision and for all the invaluable support given to the NCMM in this regard.”
This partnership with NCMM to establish a permanent gallery for the Benin Bronzes deepens Coronation’s role in preserving and celebrating Nigerian heritage at home. Coronation Group is also partnering with Tate, to present Nigerian Modernism – the first UK exhibition to trace the development of modern art in Nigeria. Together, these initiatives reflect Coronation’s commitment to democratising access to African art and affirm its expanding role as a corporate steward of cultural heritage within local and global art ecosystems.
About Coronation Group Ltd
Coronation Group is an integrated investment management conglomerate, regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. We are a
trusted prosperity partner, delivering sustainable wealth through financial craftsmanship. With deep expertise and a long-term view, we provide transformational solutions through our subsidiaries, affiliates, and investee companies, across Asset Management, Merchant Banking, Insurance, and Technology. Rooted in Africa and committed to its future, we help clients build enduring legacies and contribute meaningfully to the communities we serve.
