Sweden returns looted Benin artefacts

Sweden returns looted Benin artefacts: Despite the ongoing controversies, the Swedish government has made a decision to repatriate

39 pieces of Benin Artefacts from its museum to the custody of Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo,

Ewuare II, CFR, the Oba of Benin. This announcement follows the recognition of ownership and the

vesting of custody and management of repatriated Benin Artefacts in the Oba of Benin, as stated in the

Federal Republic of Nigeria Gazette No. 57, Volume 110, issued on March 23rd, 2023. In a statement

by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, it was revealed that the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria,

Her Excellency Annika Hahn-Englund, conveyed the Swedish government’s decision during a courtesy visit to

the Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City, Edo State.

Ambassador Hahn-Englund highlighted the trade partnership between Sweden and Nigeria and mentioned

the decision to return the artefacts as part of their cooperation in culture and education. Expressing gratitude

on behalf of the Edo people, Oba Ewuare II welcomed the decision and thanked the Swedish government

for its intervention. He recalled his previous request made in 1998 through the Swedish monarch to return Benin Bronzes in Sweden during his tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Scandinavian Countries.

the museum project

The Oba also acknowledged the ongoing Benin Royal Museum project backed by the federal government

and appreciated the support from various partners. He commended the National Commission for

Museums and Monuments (NCMM) for its role in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Oba Ewuare II shared anecdotes from his diplomatic tenure and emphasized the long-standing

demand for the return of looted Benin Artefacts.

To mark the historic visit, the Ambassador, accompanied by her husband and a member of the

Diplomatic Mission, presented a souvenir to Oba Ewuare II, who reciprocated by gifting a copy of the federal government Gazette on all Benin Artefacts to the envoy as a gesture of appreciation.