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Jesus College Cambridge Returns Stolen Benin Artefact “Ọkhọkhọ” To Nigeria

Ọkhọkhọ

A bronze artefact “Ọkhọkhọ” originally belonging to the Benin people of Nigeria has been returned to the country and handed over to the Oba of Benin. It was before yesterday, in the custody of a Cambridge University – Jesus College – since 1905 after it was looted from the Oba palace in Benin, Nigeria during the British occupation in 1897.

Over 1000 artefacts were looted from the then-Benin Kingdom in that period and most of those stolen bronze are currently housed in several museums all over the world while some others are still in private collections. The Benin artefact, dubbed “Ọkhọkhọ” was donated to Jesus College by a student parent and was displayed in the college dining hall.

It was, however, taken down from being displayed by the college in 2016 and the Legacy of Slavery Working Party (LSWP) has since been working on arrangements to return the Benin bronze to Nigeria.

After achieving the feat (of returning the looted artefact to its original owners) the college made good their word after entering the history books in 2019 as the first institution in the world to make a commitment of returning stolen bronze to the Benin people.

Ọkhọkhọ

The ceremony to sign the documents which will hand over the Benin bronze – Ọkhọkhọ – to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments was held at Jesus College,  yesterday, Wednesday, October 27, 2021. It was well attended by delegates from the commission and Benin, Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Oba of Benin and head of the historic Eweka dynasty of the Benin Empire, 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.”

In her speech, Master of Jesus College, Ms. Sonita Alleyne, described the event as a “historic moment and “momentous occasion”.

She said:

“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 extensive research, many organisations have followed in our footsteps.”

Prof Abba Isa Tijani, director-general of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments of Nigeria, said it was “receiving this antiquity for the benefit of the Benin people and the people of Nigeria.”

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2Baba unfollows wife Natasha and refollows ex-wife Annie

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