The Netherlands has returned 119 looted artefacts to Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.
Receiving the items on Thursday in Benin City, the state capital, the traditional ruler described the event return as “divine intervention”.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari for their roles in ensuring the artefacts were not re-looted.
“There were groups in this country believed to be an international cartel that had all sorts of conspiracy to enable them re-loot our artefacts,” the monarch said.
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The Oba of Benin also praised the Dutch government and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) for facilitating the return of the items.
He said the restitution was a testament to the power of prayer and determination, urging Nigerian youths to remain resilient in adversity.
Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, who was represented by Musa Ikhilor, secretary to the state government, pledged to support FG’s efforts in preserving the artefacts by improving storage facilities for the returned objects.
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Olugbile Holloway, NCMM director-general, said the commission is working with the royal palace to recover more looted items.
He noted that the 119 artefacts mark the largest single return so far.
Marieke Van Bommel, director of the Wereld Museum, said the items were stolen during colonial expeditions, and that the Dutch government is committed to returning artefacts that do not belong to the country.
She added that many collections remain across Europe — though outside their jurisdiction.
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