Culture

Benin Bronzes repatriation Marks Historic Cultural Victory

Published

10 months ago

November 18, 2025

Benin Bronzes repatriation marks a historic heritage victory as Nigeria receives two artefacts returned from MFA Boston

Benin Bronzes repatriation has taken a powerful step forward as Nigeria received two historic artefacts returned from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Also read: Coronation Gallery Benin bronzes return marks historic cultural restoration

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally handed over a bronze relief plaque and a commemorative head to the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy during a symbolic ceremony in Abuja.

The pieces were looted during the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom. Their return marks a decisive and emotional moment in Nigeria’s broader campaign to reclaim pillaged heritage scattered across global collections.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described the development as a truly historic milestone.

She expressed gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, whose diplomatic engagements enabled the artefacts’ release.

Musawa said the handover represents more than an administrative transfer. She described it as a moment of renewed cultural justice for the Benin people and for Nigeria as a whole.

She added that discussions are ongoing with other institutions still holding Benin Bronzes, stressing that more returns will follow.

The Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, applauded all collaborators whose efforts contributed to the breakthrough.

He paid tribute to His Royal Highness, Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, who championed the early push for restitution and kept the momentum alive over the years.

Holloway said the return of the artefacts symbolises a significant chapter in Nigeria’s long struggle for cultural restitution. He emphasised that the achievements go beyond the Benin Kingdom, noting that other regions such as Ife also await the recovery of their objects.

During the ceremony, the Minister of Foreign Affairs performed a formal handover in the presence of three High Chiefs representing the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.

Senior officials from both ministries and the NCMM were also in attendance.

A statement issued by Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister, confirmed the handover and described the event as a major cultural victory for the nation.

Also read: Nigeria receives 119 Benin bronzes from Netherlands in major restitution move

The Benin Bronzes repatriation continues to restore fragments of Nigeria’s identity, offering a bold reminder that cultural justice, though slow, is always possible.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”