Alaafin crowns repatriation gains momentum as Oyo seeks the return of 16 stolen artefacts taken during the 1895 British invasion
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has revealed that sixteen gold-plated beaded crowns stolen from the palace during the British invasion of Oyo in November 1895 remain missing, describing them as priceless cultural, spiritual and historical emblems of Yoruba civilisation.
The monarch made the disclosure while receiving the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, at his Boroboro private residence in Oyo town.
In a statement by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Holloway pledged that the commission would work tirelessly toward the repatriation of Oyo artefacts, just as it has done for the Benin pieces currently being returned from Europe.
Oba Owoade emphasised the cultural depth and ancestral symbolism of the missing crowns. He said the artefacts were taken during a “dastardly raid” on the palace in 1895, adding that their return was vital for preserving Yoruba heritage and identity.
He described the old Oyo Empire as a political and military powerhouse whose relics documented governance, cultural expression and daily life across centuries.
He noted that many items seized during British punitive expeditions were taken as war trophies, stripping communities of heritage and weakening indigenous continuity.
He added that the Alaafin remains the spiritual custodian of these traditions, and the return of the artefacts would represent a significant step toward cultural renewal and national pride.
Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu also reflected on the 1895 invasion by Captain Robert Bower, known locally as Ogun-Pepe. He said the stolen Oyo artefacts were not merely decorative pieces but living cultural heritage with enduring spiritual value.
He compared them to the Benin Bronzes, noting that such items were central to festivals, rituals and the spiritual well-being of the affected communities.
He warned that removing the objects from their cultural environment robbed them of context, reducing sacred heritage to museum curiosities in Western institutions.
Officials of the Alaafin’s palace and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments expressed optimism that ongoing efforts would eventually secure the return of the crowns, restoring a crucial part of Yoruba history and identity.
Business3 years ago
