By Sanni Stephen
Nigeria has rejected a proposal to borrow the Benin Bronzes from the British Museum, insisting that the country should receive ownership of its looted cultural artefacts rather than accept them temporarily on loan.
The Director-General National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, described the loan proposal as insulting, arguing that Nigeria should not be expected to borrow artefacts taken from the country by British forces in 1897.
Holloway made the position known during a discussion on restitution and African heritage at the 2026 Quramo Festival, held in Lagos from October 1 to 3.
The Benin Bronzes comprise historical bronze plaques, sculptures and ivory objects associated with the ancient Benin Kingdom. British forces seized many of these treasures during their invasion of Benin City in 1897, after which the objects were dispersed among museums and private collections abroad.
Holloway maintained that restitution should involve transferring ownership of the artefacts rather than simply allowing Nigeria to keep them temporarily.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of cooperation among African countries in pursuing the return of cultural heritage. Digital museums were suggested as one way to reconnect African audiences with artefacts that remain abroad.
The disagreement over the Benin Bronzes continues to raise questions about colonial history, cultural ownership and the responsibility of international museums to address the origins of objects in their collections.
Nigeria’s position reinforces the growing demand for the permanent restitution of African cultural treasures. Beyond returning historical objects, the debate concerns the right of Nigerians to preserve, interpret and share their own heritage with future generations.
Source: The Guardian
